Lab Information Manual

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Name:

PERITONEAL FLUID (Biochemistry Specimen ID: PT) - PT

Test Code: See Reference Values section below

Clinical Information:

Alternate Name(s):

Ascites

Ascitic fluid

Peritoneal effusion

Description: Pathologic accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity is called ascites. The liver and intestines are the primary sources of peritoneal fluid that normally is drained from the abdominal cavity by the lymphatic system. Biochemical analyses of ascites fluid provide information on its origin.

Test Approval Requirements: Any test not listed on this page must be requested as a MISCELLANEOUS fluid test and requires approval by a Clinical Biochemist prior to reporting. Ordering providers should contact the Biochemist on duty through HSC paging prior to ordering any miscellaneous tests.

It is strongly recommended to collect a corresponding serum sample to compare to miscellaneous fluid results.

For more information see:

Fluids Interpretive Guide

Peritoneal Fluid Practice Guideline of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

Collection Devices:

Preferred Device:	1 - Urine Collection Container, Random 100 mL Urine Collection Container, Random 100 mL Manufacturer: Starplex Scientific Inc. (Etobicoke, ON) Catalogue #: 3008-1
Alternate Device:	1 - Sterile 15 mL Screw Cap Conical Tube Sterile 15 mL Screw Cap Conical Tube Manufacturer: Becton Dickinson Catalogue #:

Specimen Required:

Peritoneal Fluid: 2.0 mL

Pediatric Peritoneal Fluid: 2.0 mL

Collection Information: Submit to the laboratory in a sterile collection container without anticoagulant. Do not use evacuated blood collection tubes.

Serum specimens should be submitted with peritoneal fluids for the following tests to ensure proper interpretation:

Test: Serum/Plasma Collection Time

Albumin: Within 6 hours of fluid collection

Bilirubin: Within 6 hours of fluid collection

Creatinine: Within 6 hours of fluid collection

Glucose: Within 6 hours of fluid collection

Lactate Dehydrogenase: Within 6 hours of fluid collection

Lipase: Within 6 hours of fluid collection

Total Protein: Within 6 hours of fluid collection

Triglycerides: Within 2 hours of fluid collection

Special Processing: If LD is requested, a sample aliquot must be made and remain at room temperature.

Referral:

Adult Volume: 2.0 mL

Pediatric Volume: 2.0 mL

Shipping & Storage: Refrigerated, except for aliquots for LD testing which must remain at room temperature.

Testing Laboratory (MB): Health Sciences Centre; St Boniface, Grace, and Seven Oaks hospitals; Westman lab.

Requisition:

_SH Body Fluid Requisition (R250-10-53)

Reference Values:

Peritoneal Fluid PT Reference Intervals 11may26

Availability:

Daily

Daily at Health Sciences Centre, St. Boniface Hospital and Westman Lab. Other locations dependent on lab shipments to reference labs.