Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Total protein measurement in non-standard body fluids, e.g. pleural fluid, is carried out to determine if fluid accumulation is a consequence of a transudative or exudative effusion. Common causes of transudates include congestive cardiac failure and liver cirrhosis. Common causes of exudates include malignancy, parapneumonic effusions and haemothorax.
Specimen container paediatric:
Plain universal container
Specimen container adult:
Plain universal container
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 mL fluid
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL fluid
Special requirements:
Samples that are too viscous and/or contain particulate matter after centrifugation are unsuitable for analysis.
Sample stability:
Sample must be analysed on the day of collection
Interpretation:
Transudate
Appearance: clear, colourless, straw-coloured
Fluid/serum total protein ratio: <0.5
Fluid/serum LDH ratio: <0.6
Fluid LDH: <2/3 ULN serum LDH
Exudate:
Appearance: cloudy, purulent, haemorrhagic
Fluid/serum total protein ratio: >0.5
Fluid/serum LDH ratio: >0.6
Fluid LDH: >2/3 ULN serum LDH