Ascitic Fluid Analysis

What is Ascitic Fluid Analysis

Ascitic fluid is the fluid present in our peritoneal space (the space inside the abdomen, in which all the gastro-intestinal organs are present). Sometimes, this ascitic fluid has to be tested and analyzed to diagnose certain diseases or assess any mal-functioning.

A small sample of the ascitic fluid is taken out by a procedure commonly called an ‘abdominal tap’ or ‘paracentesis’.

What is Paracentesis

This is a medical procedure, where fluid from a cavity, usually the peritoneal cavity is drained out.

Why is Paracentesis performed

A paracentesis is performed for many reasons:

• To relieve pressure in the abdomen from a condition called ascites.
• To diagnose bacterial infections such as peritonitis or abdominal TB in the peritoneal cavity.
• To diagnose metastatic cancer.
• To diagnose presence of blood in the peritoneal space after a trauma or accident.

Procedure For Abdominal Tap

• You need to sign a consent form, before the abdominal tap is done.
• The first step will be to empty your bladder.
• You will be asked to lie down. The physician doing the procedure will numb and sterilize a small area of the abdomen with an antiseptic solution.
• A large needle, with a plastic sheath attached to it, will then be inserted to a depth of about 2 to 5 cm, until it reaches the peritoneal (ascitic) fluid. The needle is then removed and the fluid drains out into the plastic sheath attached to it. About 11 liters of fluid are collected.
• If the quantity drawn out is more than 5 liters, the doctor may give you an intravenous serum albumin, in order to prevent low blood pressure (hypotension).

After Abdominal Tapping

There is generally not much pain, but you might feel a slight stinging, followed by a light pressure, when the needle is introduced. If you do not experience any dizziness and if your blood pressure remains normal, you can go home immediately.

Risks Involved in Abdominal Tapping

• There is small chance of perforating the bladder, bowel, or a blood vessel.
• There might be some bleeding.
• There is also a chance of some infection.
• You might feel dizzy and your blood pressure may drop.

Abdominal Tap Results

• A milky colored fluid may indicate the presence of disease such as tuberculosis, lymphoma, carcinoma or some other infection.
• Blood in the fluid may indicate some trauma.
• Bile in the fluid indicates gall-bladder problems.
• A high count of white blood cells indicates cirrhosis or peritonitis.