Glucose, fluid
Clinical Background:
Pleural effusion:-In health, glucose diffuses freely across the pleural membrane and the pleural fluid glucose concentration is equivalent to blood. Although fluid glucose is usually low in pleural...
Pleural effusion:-In health, glucose diffuses freely across the pleural membrane and the pleural fluid glucose concentration is equivalent to blood. Although fluid glucose is usually low in pleural infection, it is a significantly less accurate indicator for chest fluid drainage than fluid pH. Rheumatoid arthritis is unlikely to be the cause of an effusion if fluid glucose is >1.6 mmol/L.
Peritoneal (ascitic) effusion:-
Ascitic fluid glucose concentration should reflect the prevailing plasma concentration unless it is being metabolised by bacteria or white blood cells present in the fluid.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Fluoride oxalate tube Fluoride oxalate tube -
Specimen Container Paediatric:
Fluoride oxalate tube
Fluoride oxalate tube
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Minimum Volume Adult:
0.5 mL
0.5 mL
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL
0.5 mL
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Special Requirement:
Fluid in fluoride oxalate tube
Fluid in fluoride oxalate tube
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Interpretation:
Pleural effusion:-
Pleural fluid glucose <3.4 mmol/L, clinical indication:- Complicated parapneumonic effusions, empyema, rheumatoid pleuritis, TB, malignancy, oesophageal rupture
Pleural fluid glu...Read MorePleural effusion:-
Pleural fluid glucose <3.4 mmol/L, clinical indication:- Complicated parapneumonic effusions, empyema, rheumatoid pleuritis, TB, malignancy, oesophageal rupture
Pleural fluid glucose <1.6 mmol/L, clinical indication:- Rheumatoid arthritis, empyema
Peritoneal (ascitic) effusion:-
Decreased ascitic fluid glucose has been reported in TB peritonitis, malignancy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. A fluid/blood glucose ratio of <0.7 is virtually diagnostic of TB ascites (100% sensitivity and specificity). (Bansal et al, 1998). -
Factors Affecting Result:
Samples which are too viscous and/or contain particulate matter after centrifugation are unsuitable for analysis.
Samples which are too viscous and/or contain particulate matter after centrifugation are unsuitable for analysis.
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719 -
Routine Email: