LAB TEST
Pleural fluid analysis
Pleural fluid analysis is a test that examines a sample of fluid that has collected in the pleural space. This is the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the wall of the chest. When fluid collects in the pleural space, the condition is called pleural effusion .
How the Test is Performed
A procedure called thoracentesis is used to get a sample of pleural fluid. Your health care provider tests the sample to look for: Cancerous (malignant) cells Other types of cells (for example blood cells) Levels of glucose, protein and other chemicals Bacteria, fungi, mycobacteria, viruses, and other germs that can…
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed before the test. An ultrasound , CT scan , or chest x-ray will be performed before and after the test. Do not cough, breathe deeply, or move during the test to avoid injury to the lung. Tell your provider if you take medicines to thin the blood.
How the Test will Feel
For thoracentesis, you sit on the edge of a chair or bed with your head and arms resting on a table. Your provider cleans your skin around the insertion site. Numbing medicine (anesthetic) is injected into your skin. A needle is placed through the skin and muscles of your chest wall into the pleural space. As fluid…
Why the Test is Performed
The test is performed to determine the cause of a pleural effusion. It is also done to relieve the shortness of breath that a large pleural effusion can cause.
Normal Results
Normally the pleural space contains less than 20 milliliters (4 teaspoons) of clear, yellowish (serous) fluid.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may indicate possible causes of pleural effusion, such as: Cancer Cirrhosis Heart failure Infection Severe malnutrition Very low protein (albumin) in the blood Trauma Abnormal connections between the pleural space and other organs (for example, the esophagus) If your provider suspects an infection, a…
Risks
Risks of thoracentesis are: Collapsed lung ( pneumothorax ) Excessive loss of blood Fluid re-accumulation Infection Pulmonary edema Respiratory distress Cough that doesn't go away Serious complications are uncommon.
References
Blok BK. Thoracentesis. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts & Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 9. Broaddus VC, Light RW. Pleural effusion. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 25/11/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.