Pleural Fluid Analysis
Formal name: Pleural Fluid Analysis
Related tests: Pericardial Fluid Analysis, Peritoneal Fluid Analysis, Gram Stain, Susceptibility Testing, Protein, Albumin, Glucose, AFB Smear and Culture
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To help diagnose the cause of inflammation of pleurae (pleuritis, pleurisy), accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion), or possible malignancy
When to Get Tested?
When a doctor suspects that someone with chest pain, coughing, and/or difficulty breathing has a condition associated with pleuritis and/or pleural effusion
Sample Required?
A volume of pleural fluid is collected by a doctor using a procedure called thoracentesis, in part to relieve pressure and for diagnostic purposes
