Cell Count Cell Type Microscopy Ascitic Fluid

Aids in the diagnosis of joint disease, systemic disease, inflammation, malignancy, infection, and trauma. Body fluids, other than the commonly analyzed urine and blood, include synovial, pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial fluids. These fluids may be present in increased volumes and/or may contain increased numbers of normal and/or abnormal cells in a variety of disease states. The body cavities are lined by a thin membrane composed of a single layer of mesothelial cells. The membranes that surround the lungs, heart and intestines are called the visceral layer, and that covering the outer walls the parietal layer. The fluid that is produced between these two layers acts as a lubricant and is normally clear, pale yellow and contains no micro-organisms. The fluid itself is formed through a delicate balance of hydrostatic and colloid osmotic pressures of the tissue and vascular system. When this equilibrium is disturbed, pressure increases and fluid is pushed into the cavity. It is this accumulation of fluid (effusion) that is removed and submitted to the laboratory for analysis. Many pathologic conditions lead to the buildup of serous fluids. Generally, they are divided into two disease groups, transudates and exudates. Transudates are due to a systemic problem that disrupts the balance in the regulation of fluid filtration and reabsorption - ex: a change in hydrostatic pressure created by congestive heart failure: Transudates are characterized by low protein, low LD, low specific gravity (<1.015), and a low cell count. Exudates involve the actual membranes of the cavity, due to conditions resulting from infection, infarction or malignancy. Exudates have specific gravities >1.015. It is generally the exudates that are of more concern to the physician, as further testing of transudates fluids is not necessary.

No special preparation is needed for Cell Count Cell Type Microscopy Ascitic Fluid. Inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing Cell Count Cell Type Microscopy Ascitic Fluid. Your doctor depending on your condition will give specific instructions.