Description
Why It’s Done:
• To help diagnose causes of fluid accumulation (effusions) such as infections, cancers, or inflammatory diseases.
• To evaluate the nature of the fluid and differentiate between types of effusions (e.g., exudate vs transudate).
• To monitor response to treatment in diseases involving body cavity fluids.
• To assist in diagnosing conditions affecting organs like the liver, lungs, or abdomen where fluid accumulates.
Preparation:
• Typically, no special preparation is required for fluid collection beyond standard procedural guidelines.
• The fluid sample is usually collected by a healthcare professional via procedures such as thoracentesis, paracentesis, or lumbar puncture.
• Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding fasting or medication use prior to the procedure.
