Peritoneal Fluid Routine Test

The peritoneal fluid routine analysis is often done to test and analyze the fluid collected in the peritoneal space. Your doctor would recommend this test if an abnormal amount of fluid has collected in and around your abdomen, more specifically, in the peritoneal sac. As a result of this fluid accumulation, you may experience the following symptoms, Distended abdomen Trouble sleeping on your abdomen Sharp discomfort on your abdomen being pressed Nausea Difficulty in breathing when lying down Heartburn It is vital that you seek medical attention the moment you start experiencing some or all of the above symptoms. A fluid buildup in the peritoneal sac can also be an indication of peritonitis, which can be fatal if not dealt with immediately. It is essential that you consult your doctor right away, and get yourself tested immediately

Your doctor would first carry out a brief physical examination after which he would order a Peritoneal Fluid Routine analysis to be carried out. The test should not take long but you may face some discomfort as it involves use of a long needle to withdraw the collected fluid from your peritoneal sac. The fluid is then sent to the laboratory to be processed and tested, which should provide your doctor with all the information he needs to identify the causative factors behind the fluid buildup in your peritoneal sac. It is vital that you get yourself tested as some of the causative factors are quite serious as with peritonitis and can be fatal if not treated on time.

The test is mainly used to analyze the fluids collected in your peritoneal sac; this test is critical in assessing the reason as to why there is an abnormal amount of fluid in your peritoneal sac. It is vital that you get tested as soon as possible so that you can seek out effective treatment right away.

Your physician will require you to disrobe and change into a hospital gown; the test can be carried out as an outpatient procedure, so you would not require any hospitalization to undergo the test. However, depending on the results of the test, your doctor may recommend hospitalization and further procedures as required. He would first clean your abdominal area with an antiseptic, after which he would cover the peritoneal area with a sterile napkin. He would then apply a local anesthetic to the abdomen area, after which he would insert the long needle to withdraw the fluid from your peritoneal sac. The process may cause you to experience sharp discomfort but it should be over soon. The fluids collected would then be processed by the lab and subject to several tests, the results of which should be available within a day or two. The results should enable your doctor to clearly identify the causative factors and get a better picture of your abdominal health. He may suggest outpatient treatment or may even recommend hospitalization and additional procedure to be carried out. Soon, with effective treatment, you should be back to normal health.