Pleural fluid analysis

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X

With normal values, the pleural cavity contains less than 20 milliliters (four teaspoons) of serous (clear, yellowish) fluid.

With abnormal results, the analysis of the fluid will indicate possible causes of pleural effusion, such as infection, neoplasms, heart failure, and cirrhosis. If infection is suspected, a culture of the fluid is done to determine the presence of microorganisms.

Another condition under which the test may be performed is hemothorax, a collection of blood in the pleura.

Review Date: 02/27/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.