Peritoneal fluid analysis
Paracentesis; Abdominal tapPeritoneal fluid analysis is a lab test. It is done to look at fluid that has built up in the space in the abdomen around the internal organs. This area is called the peritoneal space. The condition is called ascites.
Ascites
Ascites is the build-up of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleThe test to obtain the fluid is known as paracentesis or abdominal tap.
How the Test is Performed
The sample of fluid is removed from the peritoneal space using a needle and syringe. Ultrasound is often used to direct the needle to the fluid.
Your health care provider will clean and numb a small area of your belly area (abdomen). A needle is inserted through the skin of your abdomen and a fluid sample is pulled out. The fluid is collected into a tube (syringe) attached to the end of the needle.
The fluid is sent to a lab where it is examined. Tests will be done on the fluid to measure:
- Albumin
- Protein
- Red and white blood cell counts
Tests will also check for bacteria and other types of infection.
The following tests may also be done:
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Amylase
- Cytology (appearance of cells)
- Glucose
- LDH
How to Prepare for the Test
Let your provider know if you:
- Are taking any medicines (including herbal remedies)
- Have any allergies to medicines or numbing medicine
- Have any bleeding problems
- Are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
How the Test will Feel
You may feel a stinging sensation from the numbing medicine, or pressure as the needle is placed.
If a large amount of fluid is taken out, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Tell the provider if you feel dizzy.
Why the Test is Performed
The test is done to:
- Detect peritonitis (infection in the peritoneal space).
Peritonitis
Peritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum. This is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of t...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Find the cause of fluid in the abdomen.
- Remove large amounts of fluid from the peritoneal space in people who have liver disease. (This is done to make breathing comfortable.)
- See whether an injury to the abdomen has caused internal bleeding.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may mean:
- Bile-stained fluid may mean you have a gallbladder or liver problem.
- Bloody fluid may be a sign of tumor or injury.
Tumor
A tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - High white blood cell counts may be a sign of peritonitis.
Peritonitis
Peritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum. This is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of t...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Milk-colored peritoneal fluid may be a sign of carcinoma (a type of cancer), cirrhosis of the liver, lymphoma, tuberculosis, or infection.
Carcinoma
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCirrhosis of the liver
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleLymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleTuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
Other abnormal test results may be due to a problem in the intestines or organs of the abdomen. Large differences between the amount of albumin in the peritoneal fluid and in your blood may point to heart, liver, or kidney failure. Small differences may be a sign of cancer or infection.
Risks
Risks may include:
- Damage to the bowel, bladder, or a blood vessel in the abdomen from the needle puncture
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Low blood pressure
- Shock
Shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
References
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Paracentesis (peritoneal fluid analysis) - diagnostic. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:849-851.
Kwo PY. Clinical features of liver disease. In: Saxena R, ed. Practical Hepatic Pathology: A Diagnostic Approach. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 2.
Mehta S, Fallon MB. Cirrhosis of the liver and its complications. In: Wing EJ, Schiffman FJ, eds. Cecil Essentials of Medicine. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 44.
Percy A. Procedures. In: Kleinman K, Mcdaniel L, Molloy M, eds. The Harriet Lane Handbook. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 4.
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage - series
Presentation
Peritoneal culture - illustration
A peritoneal culture is a procedure where peritoneal fluid is withdrawn with a needle from the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity is the space between the two membranes lining the abdominal cavity. The test is done to determine the cause of ascites, fluid accumulation in the peritoneal space.
Peritoneal culture
illustration
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage - series
Presentation
Peritoneal culture - illustration
A peritoneal culture is a procedure where peritoneal fluid is withdrawn with a needle from the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity is the space between the two membranes lining the abdominal cavity. The test is done to determine the cause of ascites, fluid accumulation in the peritoneal space.
Peritoneal culture
illustration
Review Date: 1/30/2023
Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.