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Pleural fluid analysis examines fluid that has collected in the pleural space -- the small area outside of the lungs but inside the chest cavity.
See also: Pleural effusion
How the test is performedA procedure called thoracentesis is used to get a sample of pleural fluid. The health care provider examines the sample to look for:
- Cancerous (malignant) cells
- Cellular makeup
- Chemical content
- Tiny organisms that can cause disease (microorganisms)
The test is no more invasive than having blood drawn. There is no special preparation. Do not cough, breathe deeply, or move during the test to avoid injury to the lung.
You may have a chest x-ray before or after the test. Tell your doctor if you take medicines to thin the blood.
How the test will feelYou will sit on the edge of a chair or bed with your head and arms resting on a table. The health care provider will clean the skin around the insertion site and drape the area. A local pain-killing medicine (anesthetic) is injected into the skin, which stings a bit, but only for a few seconds.
The thoracentesis needle is inserted above the rib into the pocket of fluid. As fluid drains into a collection bottle, many people cough a bit as the lung reexpands to fill the space where fluid had been. This sensation normally lasts for a few hours after the test is completed. Tell your health care provider if you have sharp chest pain or shortness of breath.
Why the test is performedThe test is performed to determine the cause of a pleural effusion, and to relieve the shortness of breath that a large pleural effusion can cause.
Normal ValuesNormally the pleural cavity contains less than 20 milliliters (4 teaspoons) of clear, yellowish (serous) fluid.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may indicate possible causes of pleural effusion, such as:
- Cancer (neoplasm)
- Cirrhosis
- Heart failure
- Infection
If the health care provider suspects an infection, a culture of the fluid is done to check for bacteria.
The test may also be performed for hemothorax, a collection of blood in the pleura.
What the risks areThe risks of thoracentesis are:
- Collapse of the lung (pneumothorax)
- Excessive loss of blood
- Fluid re-accumulation
- Infection
- Pulmonary edema
- Respiratory distress
Serious complications are uncommon.
ReferencesBroaddus VC, Light RW. Pleural effusion. In: Mason RJ, Murray J, Broaddus VC, Nadel J, eds. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2005:chap 68.
What else can I help you with?
When is a pleural biopsy needed?
A pleural biopsy is needed when there is suspicion of underlying pleural disease or cancer that is causing symptoms such as unexplained fluid buildup in the pleural space, persistent chest pain, or unexplained fluid in the lungs. It is usually performed when other less invasive tests, such as imaging or fluid analysis, do not provide a definitive diagnosis.
What is the thin watery fluid that occurs between the pleural membranes called?
The thin watery fluid that occurs between the pleural membranes is called pleural fluid. This fluid helps to reduce friction between the two layers of the pleura, allowing smooth movement of the lungs during breathing.
Is ascites a condition in which fluid collects in the pleural cavity?
No, ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in the abdominal cavity.
What is the specific fluid in the pleural cavity?
The specific fluid in the pleural cavity is called pleural fluid. It acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between the two layers of the pleura (membranes surrounding the lungs), allowing for smooth breathing movements.
What Pleural fluid in the human body contained between?
Each lung lies within the pleural cavity within which the lung expands. The pleural cavity is lined by two transparent elastic membranes called the pleura/pleural membranes. The inner pleuron covers the lung the outer pleuron is in contact with the walls of the thorax and the diaphragm. A thin layer of lubricating fluid between the pleural membranes allows them to glide over each other when the lungs expand and contract during breathing. So your answer is the pleural fluid lies between the pleural membranes.
When is a pleural biopsy needed?
A pleural biopsy is needed when there is suspicion of underlying pleural disease or cancer that is causing symptoms such as unexplained fluid buildup in the pleural space, persistent chest pain, or unexplained fluid in the lungs. It is usually performed when other less invasive tests, such as imaging or fluid analysis, do not provide a definitive diagnosis.
What is the thin watery fluid that occurs between the pleural membranes called?
The thin watery fluid that occurs between the pleural membranes is called pleural fluid. This fluid helps to reduce friction between the two layers of the pleura, allowing smooth movement of the lungs during breathing.
What is the fluid located between the pleural membranes?
Pleural Fluid. It is mostly made up of tissue fluidPleural spacePleural fluid
What is a pleural hemorrage?
Pleural fluid is the fluid found in your lungs. My guess is that a pleural hemorrhage would be the result of fluid buildup expanding the lungs to the point where the tiny sacs in your lungs could rupture.
Is ascites a condition in which fluid collects in the pleural cavity?
No, ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in the abdominal cavity.
Laboratory and radiology tests that would be expected in a patient with an ileus?
Blood, Serum, Plasma Urine Stool Cerebrospinal Fluid - CSF Pleural fluid Synovial fluid Saliva Ascitic fluid Amniotic fluid Gastric fluid Semen analysis Sputum Peritoneal fluid
How is Pleural fluid contained?
Pleural fluid is contained within the pleural space, a thin fluid-filled cavity between the two layers of the pleura (lining of the lungs and chest cavity). This space prevents the fluid from leaking into surrounding tissues. The balance between fluid production and absorption by the pleura helps maintain the fluid in this contained space.
What is the specific fluid in the pleural cavity?
The specific fluid in the pleural cavity is called pleural fluid. It acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between the two layers of the pleura (membranes surrounding the lungs), allowing for smooth breathing movements.
What The is the thin fluid-filled space also known as the pleural space?
this answer is pleural cavity
Plural fluid functions- respiration?
Pleural fluid is present in the pleural sac. This fluid act as a lubricant and minimizes the friction between outer and inner layer of pleura, during respiration.
How is a Denver Catheter drained?
Pleural drain that patient can drain fluid from pleural effusion or ascites on own.
What do the pleural cavities contain?
Pleural cavity is the potential space. There is no gap between the outer and the inner pleura. There is very little fluid in the pleural cavity. You have negative pressure in the pleural cavity.
