Ascitic Fluid Analysis
Abdominal paracentesis may be used to diagnose or treat ascites. This section outlines an approach to interpreting ascitic fluid samples.
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LDH
Elevation weakly linked with malignancy
Glucose
Reduction weakly linked with infection / malignancy
Amylase
Elevation suggestive of pancreatitis / perforation
Culture
To identify bacterial organism
Acid-Fast Bacilli
If TB peritonitis suspected
Cytology
To identify peritoneal carcinomatosis (not other malignancies)
VEGF
Elevation is suggestive of malignancy