If a delay is expected, the sample should be maintained at 4\xbaC until analysis, except for microbiological cultures.
A delayed analysis of more than 48 hours is unacceptable, although the cytomorphological features of refrigerated samples are well preserved for at least 72 hours..
The composition of normal pleural fluid consists of total white blood cell count of 1.716 x 10(3) cells mL(-1).
Differential cell counts: 75% macrophages, 23% lymphocytes, and marginally present mesothelial cells (1% to 2%), neutrophils (1%), and eosinophils (0%)..
A procedure called thoracentesis is performed to get a sample of pleural fluid.
The sample is sent to a laboratory and examined under a microscope for signs of infection.
The sample is also placed in a special dish (culture) to support the growth of microorganisms..
How Much Pleural Fluid Should Be Sent for Cytology.
Sending at least 60 mL resulted in better sensitivity for diagnosing malignancy.
When patients with suspected malignant pleural effusion undergo diagnostic thoracentesis, what volume of fluid should be sent to the lab for cytologic diagnosis.
In this prospective study, researchers identified ..
A sample of fluid from the pleural space is needed.
The sample is taken using a procedure called thoracentesis.
The procedure is done in the following way:.
1) You sit on a bed or on the edge of a chair or bed.
Your head and arms rest on a table.
2) A small area of skin on your back is cleaned.
Numbing medicine (local anesthetic) is injected in this.
Pleural effusion, sometimes called fluid on the lung, can happen for various reasons, ranging from an infection to cancer.
A cytology exam is used to look for cancer and precancerous cells.
It may also be done for other conditions, such as identifying systemic lupus erythematosuscells.
Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of fluid buildup in the pleural space.
This condition is called pleural effusion.
The test may also be done if you have signs of lung ca.
Pleural effusion has many causes.
They include:
