Pleural Fluid Analysis

Pleural Fluid Analysis

Pleural Fluid Analysis is a test examining a sample of fluid that has been collected in the pleural space. This is the between the lining of the outside. If The lungs (pleural) and the wall of the chest. It is present between the two layers of the pleural. The one in the lungs that contain plural fluid is called pleural activity. Normally there is a small amount of pleural fluid in the activity 10-20ml pleural fluid is formed from the systemic vessels of the plural membranes with a flow rate of approximately 0.6 mL/hour and is absorbed by the parietal level lymphatic system at a similar rate.

Function of Pleural Fluid:

The fluid acts as a lubricant for the movements of the lungs during breathing. It is used to find the cause of the pleural effusion. A pleural effusion is a build-up of extra fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest walls.

Types Of Pleural fluid:

There are two types of pleural fluid.

Transudate:

• Transudate is most often caused by either congestive heart failure,
• Cirrhosis
• Pulmonary embolism,
• Nephritic syndrome and Hypothyroidism

Typical fluid analysis results include.

Exudate:

• Exudates are not often caused by inflammation.
• Malignancy,
• Tuberculosis,
• Viral and bacterial

LDH 105-333 IU/L

Collection Of Pleural Fluid:

Thoracentesis is a procedure used to remove excess pleural fluid from the pleural space. It is performed using a needle inserted into the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall.

Microscopic Analysis of Pleural fluid:

Microscopic Analysis of pleural fluid include following

• Parameters
• Red blood cell count
• white blood cell count
• Differential Count
• Pleural fluid cytology

It may infectious disease Tests.

• Gram Staining
• Ziehl Nielsen staining
• Fungus Tests
• Bacterial culture