Yashoda Hospitals > Diagnostics > Ascitic Fluid Test

What is an Ascitic Fluid Test?

The Ascitic Fluid Test, also known as Peritoneal Fluid Analysis, assesses the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Liver cirrhosis is the most common cause of ascites.

The peritoneum is a sac surrounding abdominal organs, and when fluid collects within it, the Ascitic Fluid Test, often performed through Paracentesis or Abdominal Tap, analyzes this fluid.

Additionally, the test helps distinguish between two types of peritoneal fluid: transudate (clear fluid) and exudate (pus-filled fluid).

This test aids in diagnosing the underlying cause of ascites and guides appropriate medical management.

What is the Ascitic Fluid Test used for?

The Ascitic Fluid Test is used to check abdominal fluid for characteristics such as color, turbidity, and the presence of blood. It helps in diagnosing the underlying cause of abdominal fluid accumulation, which might show up as moving fluid or an enlarged belly.

Understanding the test results of the Ascitic Fluid Test

Interpreting the results of an Ascitic Fluid Test involves assessing several factors:

  1. Appearance (Color and Clarity):
  • Bloody Fluid: May indicate conditions like malignant cancer or hemorrhagic pancreatitis.
  • Milky Fluid: Could be associated with tuberculosis, malignant cancer, or lymphoma.
  • Cloudy Fluid: Suggests conditions such as a perforated bowel, pancreatitis, or bacterial peritonitis.
  • Clear Fluid: Often seen in cases of liver cirrhosis.
  1. Chemical Composition:
  • The test measures various components, including albumin, protein, and the red and white blood cell counts.
  1. SAAG (Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient):
  • SAAG is calculated as Serum Albumin level minus Ascitic Fluid Albumin level.
  • SAAG > 1.1 g/dL suggests a transudate, often seen in conditions like cirrhosis and heart failure.
  • SAAG < 1.1 g/dL indicates an exudate, which can be associated with infections, malignancies, or other inflammatory conditions.

Understanding these aspects helps in diagnosing the underlying condition causing ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity). It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and interpretation of Ascitic Fluid Test results, as they may consider additional clinical information to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

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    References

      Peritoneal Fluid Analysis – Testing.com

      Ascitic Fluid Analysis

      Peritoneal fluid analysis (ucsfhealth.org)

      Peritoneal fluid analysis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

      Ascitic Fluid Analysis in the Differential Diagnosis of Ascites: Focus on Cirrhotic Ascites (nih.gov)

      Ascitic Fluid Test: Procedure, Purpose, Results, Cost, Price, Online booking (myupchar.com)

      Fluid Analysis – Part 4 – Ascitic fluid, Peritoneal tap, abdominal paracentesis, abdominal tap procedure – Labpedia.net

      Culture and Sensitivity – Ascitic Fluid Test – Test Results, Normal Range, Cost And More (lybrate.com)

      Ascites: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment | IntechOpen

    Frequently Asked Questions

    If you experience symptoms like swelling in your feet, difficulty sitting, back pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and digestive problems such as abdominal pain, constipation, indigestion, loss of appetite, and bloating, your healthcare provider may recommend an Ascitic Fluid Test. This test helps diagnose various underlying conditions, including heart failure, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, infection, or cancer.

    During an Ascitic Fluid Test, a healthcare professional will start by cleaning and anesthetizing a small area on your abdomen. Then, they will insert a needle through your skin into your belly to withdraw the ascitic fluid. This fluid sample is collected in a tube attached to the needle and is later sent to the laboratory for testing. After the needle is removed, the skin area will be bandaged.

    Ascitic fluid tests include SAAG calculation, blood cell counts, appearance assessment, glucose measurement, tumor marker analysis, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin levels, and tests for bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections. Microscopic examination checks for abnormal cells and additional tests may be performed based on clinical suspicion. These analyses aid in diagnosing conditions causing ascites, such as liver disease or infections, guiding treatment decisions.

    Normal ascitic fluid is typically clear and light yellow, with a volume of less than 50 ml. It contains fewer than 300 white blood cells/uL, mainly less than 250 polymorphonuclear WBC/uL. Red blood cells are usually absent. Protein is less than 4.1 g/dL, and glucose ranges from 70 to 100 mg/dL. Microscopically, it lacks malignant cells, bacteria, and fungi. Carcinoembryonic antigen is negative, and amylase ranges from 138 to 400 units/L. Alkaline phosphatase is between 87 to 250 units/L for females and 90 to 240 units/L for males. Individual health and circumstances can affect these 'normal' values, so consulting a healthcare professional is essential for interpretation.

    Ascites fluid is typically clear and light yellow. However, abnormal colors can signify underlying issues. Red may indicate trauma, bleeding, tumor infiltration, or hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Green suggests a ruptured gallbladder, intestinal perforation, or acute pancreatitis. Chylous or turbid ascites has various potential causes. Any unusual color warrants medical attention to determine the underlying condition and appropriate treatment.

    To prepare for an ascitic fluid test, typically fast for at least 6 hours, empty your bladder, and lie at a 45 to 60-degree angle. A healthcare professional will then clean your abdomen and use a needle to collect the fluid for testing. Follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.

    Yes, ascites can be detected through specific blood tests. Elevated ammonia levels may indicate ruptured or strangulated intestines, while increased amylase levels could suggest pancreatic trauma or intestinal necrosis. Low glucose levels may be associated with tuberculous and bacterial ascites. The presence of RBCs in the blood test may signal malignancy, intra-abdominal bleeding, or tuberculosis, while the presence of WBCs could indicate peritonitis, tuberculosis, or liver cirrhosis. Triglycerides exceeding 1000 mg/dL may also be a factor to consider. PCR tests for mycobacterium can provide additional information.

    Yes, there are risks associated with an Ascitic Fluid Test. Inserting the needle into the abdomen carries the potential for damaging the bowel, bladder, or blood vessels, leading to complications such as infection, bleeding, and a drop in blood pressure, which could result in shock. The test should only be performed when all indications point towards ascites.