Pleural Fluid Routine Test

The layer of tissues that form the area between the lungs and the chest cavity is known as the pleural space. Pleural fluid gets accumulated in this space, known as the pleural effusion. This process takes place due to two reasons: transudate and exudate. The former is an imbalance between blood vessels and blood protein, causing an imbalance in the fluid transportation and the latter results from pleurae inflammation. The Pleural Fluid Routine examination analyses the accumulation of this fluid in the pleural space due to any one of the two reasons. It helps in detecting various blood-related problems.

The test involves a number of processes such as blood test, X-ray, CT scan, and more. The doctor will advise you to dodge certain medicine dosages that you take daily for avoiding any interference with the tests. The doctor will also require a complete portfolio of your medical history. Other than that, you will need to wear clothes that suit the test process. No special diet requirements are necessary.

The test is used most importantly for diagnosing the cause and extent of the pleural effusion. It makes it clear that the fluid is transudate or exudate, helping the doctor in giving the right solution. The test gives complete information about the following: Cell counts in the blood, presence of the different kinds of WBCs, and abnormal cells in the blood Studying the gram stain i.e. bacteria and fungi in the pleural fluid Risk of tuberculosis caused due to extremely high level of pleural fluid Risk of a tumour, oesophageal rupture, and other such diseases.

The Pleural Fluid routine involves a complete physical examination. This will include stethoscope analysis of the lungs and chest area, a friction rub against the heart, and some other examinations. A chest X-ray is also conducted to examine the pleural space for effusion. CT scans are also conducted in order to study the cause and the level of pleural effusion in the body. The doctor analyses the results of all these tests collectively to present the treatment.