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Test Code Billings Clinic: 5384 Protein, Pleural Fluid

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory: Chemistry

Useful For

  • Exudative pleural fluid total protein to serum total protein ratio is typically more than 0.5 g/dL.
  • Transudate pleural effusions misclassified as exudates have serum protein minus pleural fluid protein more than 3.1 g/dL.

Methodology

Biuret Endpoint

Specimen Requirements

  • Draw pleural fluid in a plain, red-top tube or other suitable container.
  • Send refrigerated.
  • Specimen type (fluid type/description) for each tube/container is required on request form for processing.
  • Properly label (fluid type/description) each tube/container submitted.

Storage/Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Pleural Fluid Refrigerated (preferred) 3 days
  Ambient 8 hours
  Frozen 6 months

 

Reject Due To

  • Contamination with blood

Reference Values

Interpretive Remark:

Exudative pleural fluid total protein to serum total protein ratio is typically more than 0.5 g/dL. Transudate pleural effusions misclassified as exudates have serum protein minus pleural fluid protein more than 3.1 g/dL.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

84157 - Protein, total, other source

LOINC Code Information

Reporting Name LOINC Code
Protein, Pleural Fluid 2882-9

 

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Billings Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Body Fluids.