Cell Count and Cell Type - Peritoneal Fluid Test

This test is also known as Peritoneal Fluid Analysis. The test is useful to diagnose the cause of fluid build-up in the abdomen (ascites) and peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum). The test generally includes fluid albumin level, cell count and differential and appearance. The fluid build-up may be of two types, either a transudate or an exudate. Transudate is due to an imbalance in pressure within blood vessels and amount of protein in blood. Exudate is the abnormal collection of fluid due to an injury or inflammation. The test is performed on a sample of peritoneal fluid to measure the level of leukocytes.

Before the test, you will be required to remove your clothes and change into a hospital gown. No test preparation is required. There are no dietary restrictions that you have to follow before the test. Certain medications that you are currently taking may affect the test results. So, make sure to inform your doctor regarding all the medications, vitamins, herbs and supplements you are taking. In case the blood withdrawn is to be used for further tests, your doctor will inform you the necessary preparations in prior.

The peritoneal fluid analysis is used by the doctor to diagnose the cause of peritonitis or ascites. The normal values of leukocytes for cell count cell type peritoneal fluid is less than 500 per microliter, irrespective of gender and age.

Increase in white cell count indicates an inflammation or infection (peritonitis). If total cell count increases which means WBCs and RBCs are enumerated, it is indicative of infections and malignant conditions. Normal peritoneal fluid has a small number of WBCs and no RBCs.

Peritoneal fluid sample is required for the analysis. The procedure is as follows, You will be asked to change into a hospital gown before the test. You may sit up if only a small amount of fluid is to be removed by your doctor. You will have to lie down on your back with head slightly elevated in case the doctor anticipates withdrawing large amount of fluid.

The area of the abdomen where the needle will be injected is cleansed with an antiseptic. Once the site is cleansed, the doctor will drape a sterile covering over the abdomen. You will then be given local anaesthesia. Once the skin is numb, a long needle is injected into the peritoneal area and the fluid is drawn from the abdomen.