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Peritoneal fluid analysis

What abnormal results mean:

Milk-colored peritoneal fluid may indicate disease such as carcinoma, lymphoma, tuberculosis or infection. Bloody fluid may indicate tumor or trauma. Bile-stained fluid may indicate gallbladder problems. High white blood cell counts may indicate peritonitis or cirrhosis.

Other laboratory abnormalities may indicate problems in the intestines or abdominal organs. Large differences between the concentration of albumin in the peritoneal fluid and in your blood serum may point to heart, liver, or kidney failure as the cause of the fluid collection. Small differences may point more towards cancer or infection.




Review Date: 2/9/2005
Reviewed By: Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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