Peritoneal Fluid:
Peritoneal Fluid is a liquid that lubricates the surface of the tissue lining the abdominal wall and pelvic cavity. It covers most of the organs in the abdomen. It moistens the outside of the organs and reduces the friction of between organs during digestion and movement.
The Peritoneal Fluid for Gram Stain Lab Test may be done to measure the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), also known as lactic acid, in the peritoneal cavity. LDH is a type of protein, known as an enzyme. LDH plays an important role in making the body's energy. It is found in almost all the body's tissues, including those in the blood, heart, kidneys, brain, and lungs.
Or the Peritoneal Fluid for Gram Stain Lab Test may be done to check for other abnormalities causing infections and diseases such as peritonitis. The timely detection allows for early control of the bacteria that may cause mild or serious infections.
A sample of the Peritoneal Fluid is usually taken for the test with a fine needle after the application of a numbing cream at the test site. The sample is then prepared and observed under a microscope in a laboratory. Please consult your doctor for further information.
- What are the risks associated with this test?
There are no significant risks associated with this test, except for mild redness, pain, and irritation at the injection site. However, if you experience any severe reactions, please contact your doctor immediately.
- Is the Peritoneal Fluid collection procedure painful?
Most patients who have undergone this procedure consider it to be fairly tolerable in terms of pain and discomfort. However, local or general anesthesia (temporary sleep and insensitivity to pain) may be used.
- Can I get serious infections in the Peritoneal Fluid?
While some bacterial infections are mild and reasonably treatable, others may be serious and require aggressive antibiotic therapy. Therefore, it is best that you discuss your condition with your doctor and follow all instructions and necessary precautions.
- What is Paracentesis and how is it performed?
Paracentesis is the removal of a small amount of the peritoneal fluid from the abdominal cavity with a needle, tubing, and a container with a vacuum. It is routinely performed in laboratories to obtain peritoneal fluid samples.
- What is Ascites?
Ascites is an abnormal condition characterized by the accumulation of infected fluid in the abdominal cavity. It is a mild to serious condition and requires medical or surgical intervention.
- What is peritonitis?
Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum caused by a bacterial infection. It is a mild to serious condition and requires medical intervention.
Higher than normal LDH levels usually mean that you have some type of tissue damage or disease. Disorders that cause high LDH levels include:
- Anemia
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Muscle injury
- Heart attack
- Pancreatitis
- Infections, including meningitis, encephalitis, and infectious mononucleosis
- Certain types of cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia. A higher than normal LDH level may also mean treatment for cancer is not working.
Although the test can show tissue damage or disease, it does not show where the damage is located. If your results show higher than normal LDH levels, your provider may need to do more tests to make a diagnosis. One of these tests may be an LDH iso-enzyme test; this test measures the different forms of LDH. It can also help your provider find out about the location, type, and severity of tissue damage.
Some bacterial infections are mild, whilst others are serious and can have dire consequences. Getting tested is essential for the following reasons:
- Helps you and your doctor diagnose various infections and predict the outcomes
- Regular check-up
- Diagnose conditions before they progress and prove to be fatal
- Plan treatment and evaluate the effectiveness of given therapy
