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Pleural Fluid Analysis

Routine Tests

Other Tests

Amylase
If concern for pancreatitis
Adenosine Deaminase (ADA)
Elevation weakly suggestive of TB
Triglycerides
>110mg/dL is indicative of chylothorax
NT-ProBNP
Highly sensitive & specific for heart failure
Fluid Culture
To identify bacterial organism
Acid-Fast Bacilli
If TB pleuritis suspected
Cytology
Sensitivity ~60%

May yield a diagnosis of malignancy

Read More...

Davies RJO, Davies HE. Pleural disease (excluding malignancy). Medicine. 2008;36:321-327. Pubmed

McGrath EE, Anderson PB. Diagnosis of pleural effusion: a systematic approach. American Journal of Critical Care. 2011 Mar 1;20(2):119-28. Pubmed

Na MJ. Diagnostic tools of pleural effusion. Tuberculosis and respiratory diseases. 2014 May 1;76(5):199-210. Pubmed

Porcel JM, Light RW. Diagnostic approach to pleural effusion in adults. Am Fam Physician. 2006 Apr 1;73(7):1211-20. Pubmed

Rahman NM, Chapman SJ, Davies RJ. Pleural effusion: a structured approach to care. British medical bulletin. 2004 Jan 1;72(1):31-47. Pubmed