12. Body Fluids

What are the key purposes of analyzing body fluids?

Count WBCs, RBCs, perform diff (WBCs), chemistries, and microbiology.

What is the characteristic state of body fluids under normal conditions?

They are normally sterile.

What might increase the quantity of body fluids?

Disease states.

Cell counts and differential tests are done to determine what?

If there is an infection or inflammatory process.

What does a culture and gram stain test for?

Bacteria and fungi to identify infections.

What do glucose and protein tests assess?

Inflammation and differentiate between transudate and exudate.

What does an elevated LDH level indicate?

Tissue damage and inflammation.

What is the purpose of cytology in body fluid analysis?

To check for cancer cells.

What does crystal analysis diagnose?

Conditions like gout.

Why are most body fluids considered emergency specimens?

To prevent cellular degradation.

What is the preferred anticoagulant for cell counts?

EDTA.

What tube is typically used for chemistry analysis of CSF?

Tube #1.

What are the indications for obtaining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Meningitis, hemorrhage, neurologic diseases, diagnosis of malignancy.

How is CSF obtained?

By lumbar puncture.

What might xanthochromia in CSF indicate?

An old subarachnoid hemorrhage.

What is the volume of liquid in the large square of the hemocytometer?

0.1 mm³.

What technique is used to count cells in a hemocytometer?

Hemocytometer counting guidelines.

Under what conditions would you count all nine squares in a hemocytometer?

If less than 200 cells are present.

How do we calculate RBC if subarachnoid hemorrhage is suspected?

Count tubes #1 and #4.

What is the normal WBC count in CSF?

Less than or equal to 5 WBCs x 10^6/L.

What indicates a bacterial infection in WBC differential counts?

Increased neutrophils.

What is indicated by low glucose levels in CSF?

Bacterial or fungal infections and malignancies.

What types of fluids are classified as serous fluids?

Pericardial, pleural, peritoneal fluids.

What does the presence of turbid serous fluid indicate?

Infection/inflammation (effusion).

What are the two types of fluid based on composition and appearance?

Transudate and exudate.

What is the main difference between transudate and exudate regarding serous fluids?

Transudate arises from pressure changes while exudate arises from inflammation.

What are the normal characteristics of synovial fluid?

Straw-colored and viscous with few WBCs.

What tests are performed on synovial fluid?

Cell counts, morphology, and crystal analysis.

How are non-inflammatory diseases indicated in synovial fluid analysis?

By a few WBCs.

What cell type might indicate lupus erythematosus in body fluids?

Lupus erythematosus cells.

What should be done if tumor-like cells are seen in CSF?

Send for cytology analysis.

What type of microscopy can be used for crystal analysis?

Phase contrast microscopy.

What does an increased WBC count in CSF usually indicate?

A possible infection, such as meningitis.

What type of infections have normal glucose levels in CSF?

Viral infections.

What are mesothelial cells?

Normal lining cells observed in serous fluids.

How is serous fluid analyzed for microbiology?

Gram stain, culture, and PCR for identification.

What does a culture for bacteria identification in serous fluid test for?

Presence of specific bacteria in fluid.

What test is used for diagnosing Cryptococcus in CSF?

India ink preparation.

What might increased protein levels in CSF indicate?

Infection, inflammation, or tumors.

How are serous fluid samples typically sent to the lab?

In EDTA for cell counts.

What is a common method for obtaining joint fluid?

Arthrocentesis.

What cellular count method is used when analyzing synovial fluid?

Counting 100 WBCs after spinning down the fluid.

What can a bloody tap in CSF indicate?

Hemorrhage.

What is a common finding in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) analyzed through joint fluid?

Increased numbers of WBCs.

What is the normal color of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Clear and colorless.

Why is glucose testing important in CSF analysis?

To identify potential infections or malignancies.