Red top with fluid, lavender top with fluid, air-dried unstained slides.
Specimen
1.0 mL body cavity fluid in lavender or red top tube with 2 unstained smears prepared from fluid.
Test Description
Includes preparation of submitted sample, Cell Count (WBC & RBC), Specific Gravity, Protein measurement, and microscopic interpretation by clinical pathologist.
This is the appropriate test for the evaluation of fluids from a cavity or tissue space. The fluid will be characterized based on protein, specific gravity, white and red cells, and a pathologist will evaluate the fluid and provide a microscopic description and, when possible, diagnosis.
Note: A comprehensive history should be included with the fluid analysis submission.