PERITONEAL / ASCITIC FLUID ANALYSIS – BC275
💧 Body Fluid Examination
₹299
MRP ₹400
Sample Time: 4:30 PM
Report: Same Day
Sample Type: Ascitic Fluid (in Sterile Container)
Test Code: BC275
Report: Same Day
Sample Type: Ascitic Fluid (in Sterile Container)
Test Code: BC275
About this Test:
The Peritoneal / Ascitic Fluid Analysis examines fluid collected from the peritoneal cavity (the space within the abdomen). A condition called Ascites occurs when excess fluid builds up here. This test helps determine the cause of the fluid accumulation.
✔ Physical Examination: Checks color and clarity (e.g., bloody, cloudy, or straw-colored).
✔ Chemical Examination: Measures Protein, Albumin, and Glucose.
✔ Microscopic Examination: Counts White Blood Cells (WBC) to detect infection.
✔ Vital for distinguishing between Liver Cirrhosis (Transudate) and Infection/Cancer (Exudate).
The Peritoneal / Ascitic Fluid Analysis examines fluid collected from the peritoneal cavity (the space within the abdomen). A condition called Ascites occurs when excess fluid builds up here. This test helps determine the cause of the fluid accumulation.
✔ Physical Examination: Checks color and clarity (e.g., bloody, cloudy, or straw-colored).
✔ Chemical Examination: Measures Protein, Albumin, and Glucose.
✔ Microscopic Examination: Counts White Blood Cells (WBC) to detect infection.
✔ Vital for distinguishing between Liver Cirrhosis (Transudate) and Infection/Cancer (Exudate).
Why Analyse Ascitic Fluid?
Ascites can be caused by liver failure, heart failure, kidney disease, infection (tuberculosis/bacterial), or cancer. This analysis provides the clues needed to pinpoint the origin.
Key Diagnostic Concepts:
- SAAG (Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient): Doctors often compare the albumin level in the fluid to the albumin level in your blood.
- High SAAG (>1.1 g/dL): Indicates Portal Hypertension, usually caused by Cirrhosis or Heart Failure.
- Low SAAG (<1 .1="" dl="" g="" strong=""> Indicates causes like Cancer (malignancy), Tuberculosis, or Pancreatitis.
- Cell Count: A high count of Neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) typically indicates Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP), a serious infection requiring immediate antibiotics.
Note on Collection: This sample is collected via a medical procedure called Paracentesis (abdominal tapping) performed by a doctor. The lab processes the fluid provided in the container.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Ascites?
Ascites is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen. It causes swelling, discomfort, and shortness of breath. It is most commonly caused by liver cirrhosis.
Ascites is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen. It causes swelling, discomfort, and shortness of breath. It is most commonly caused by liver cirrhosis.
Q2: How is the sample collected?
The sample is NOT collected via a simple blood draw. It requires a procedure called Paracentesis, where a doctor inserts a needle into the abdominal cavity to drain the fluid into a sterile container.
The sample is NOT collected via a simple blood draw. It requires a procedure called Paracentesis, where a doctor inserts a needle into the abdominal cavity to drain the fluid into a sterile container.
Q3: What does a cloudy fluid mean?
Cloudy fluid often suggests the presence of many white blood cells (indicating infection/peritonitis) or high triglyceride levels. Bloody fluid may suggest trauma or malignancy.
Cloudy fluid often suggests the presence of many white blood cells (indicating infection/peritonitis) or high triglyceride levels. Bloody fluid may suggest trauma or malignancy.
Q4: Why is albumin measured in this test?
Albumin is key to calculating the SAAG score. This score is the most reliable way to differentiate between ascites caused by liver pressure (portal hypertension) and other causes like inflammation or cancer.
Albumin is key to calculating the SAAG score. This score is the most reliable way to differentiate between ascites caused by liver pressure (portal hypertension) and other causes like inflammation or cancer.
Q5: Can I do this test at home?
No. The collection must be done by a doctor in a clinic or hospital setting. However, once the fluid is in the container, it can be handed over to our lab for analysis.
No. The collection must be done by a doctor in a clinic or hospital setting. However, once the fluid is in the container, it can be handed over to our lab for analysis.