Analysis of Serous Fluids Flashcards

Comprehensive flashcards covering the definition, collection, types, appearance, cellular analysis, and chemical testing of serous fluids based on clinical lecture notes.

What are the three main types of serous fluids?

Pericardial, Peritoneal, and Pleural fluids.

Where is serous fluid located?

Between the parietal membrane and visceral membrane.

What is the primary function of serous fluid?

To provide lubrication to prevent friction between the two membranes.

How is serous fluid formed?

As an ultrafiltrate of plasma.

Which two pressures govern the production and reabsorption of serous fluid?

Hydrostatic pressure and oncotic pressure.

What is defined as an increase in fluid due to disruption of its formation and reabsorption mechanics?

Effusion.

What are the two major types of effusion?

Transudate and exudate.

Where is pleural fluid specifically located?

In the pleural cavity, between the parietal pleural membrane lining the chest wall and the visceral pleural membrane covering the lungs.

What is the clinical term for the collection of pleural fluid?

Thoracentesis.

How is pleural fluid collection typically performed?

Through needle aspiration.

What is the normal volume range for fluid found between the pericardial serous membranes?

About $10$ to $50\,mL$.

What factors primarily cause pericardial effusions?

Changes in membrane permeability due to infection, malignancy, and trauma-producing exudates.

What are two alternative names for peritoneal fluid?

Ascites or Ascitic Fluid.

What is the definition of ascites?

The accumulation of fluid between the peritoneal membranes.

Which tube type is required for the Microbiology section during serous fluid collection?

Sterile Sodium Heparin Tube (Heparinized Tube).

What tube types are used for Cell Count in serous fluid analysis?

EDTA Tube or Heparin Tube.

Which tube is used for Chemistry and other tests?

Non-anticoagulated Tube.

What specific tube is used for Glucose determination in serous fluid?

Sodium Fluoride Tube.

The collection process for serous fluids is noted to be the same as the collection of which other body fluid?

Synovial fluid.

What is the general cause of a transudate effusion?

Disruption of fluid production and regulation between membranes.

Name two clinical conditions associated with transudate production.

Congestive Heart Failure and Hypoproteinemia.

What is the general cause of an exudate effusion?

Direct damage to the membrane.

Between transudates and exudates, which one is typically clear?

Transudate.

Between transudates and exudates, which one is typically cloudy?

Exudate.

What is the Fluid: Serum Protein Ratio for a transudate?

$$< 0.5$$

What is the Fluid: Serum Protein Ratio for an exudate?

$$> 0.5$$

What is the Fluid: Serum LD ratio for a transudate?

$$< 0.6$$

What is the Fluid: Serum LD ratio for an exudate?

$$> 0.6$$

What is the expected WBC count for a transudate?

$$< 1000/\mu L$$

What is the expected WBC count for an exudate?

$$> 1000/\mu L$$

Is spontaneous clotting seen in a transudate?

No.

Is spontaneous clotting seen in an exudate?

It is possible.

What is the Pleural Fluid: Cholesterol level for a transudate?

$$< 45-60\,mg/dL$$

What is the Pleural Fluid: Cholesterol level for an exudate?

$$> 45-60\,mg/dL$$

What is the Pleural Fluid: Serum Cholesterol Ratio for a transudate?

$$< 0.3$$

What is the Pleural Fluid: Serum Cholesterol Ratio for an exudate?

$$> 0.3$$

What is the Pleural Fluid: Bilirubin Ratio for a transudate?

$$< 0.6$$

What is the Pleural Fluid: Bilirubin Ratio for an exudate?

$$> 0.6$$

What is the Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) for a transudate?

$$> 1.1$$

What is the Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) for an exudate?

$$< 1.1$$

In serous fluid appearance, what does a clear to pale yellow color indicate?

Normal.

In serous fluid appearance, what does a deeper yellow color indicate?

Inflammation.

What interpretation is given for turbid, white serous fluid?

Microbial Infection.

Name five conditions associated with a bloody appearance in serous fluid.

Hemothorax, Hemorrhagic Effusions, Pulmonary Embolus, Tuberculosis, and Malignancy.

A milky appearance in serous fluid indicates which two possible types of effusion?

Chylous (thoracic duct leakage) or Pseudochylous (chronic inflammation).

What does a black color in serous fluid indicate?

Aspergillus.

What does a brown color in serous fluid indicate?

Rupture of amoebic liver.

What does a viscous consistency in serous fluid indicate?

Malignant Mesothelioma.

What is the cause of a chylous effusion?

Thoracic Duct Leakage.

What is the cause of a pseudochylous effusion?

Chronic Inflammation.

What is the visual appearance of chylous fluid?

Milky/White.

What is the visual appearance of pseudochylous fluid?

Milky/Green Tinge.

Which leukocytes are predominant in chylous fluid?

Lymphocytes.

What type of cell distribution is found in pseudochylous fluid?

Mixed Cells.

Are cholesterol crystals present or absent in chylous fluid?

Absent.

Are cholesterol crystals present or absent in pseudochylous fluid?

Present.

What is the triglyceride level in a chylous effusion?

$$> 110\,mg/dL$$

What is the triglyceride level in a pseudochylous effusion?

$$< 50\,mg/dL$$

How does chylous fluid react to Sudan III staining?

Strong Positive.

How does pseudochylous fluid react to Sudan III staining?

Negative/Weakly Positive.

The presence of neutrophils in serous fluid is associated with which three conditions?

Pneumonia, Pancreatitis, and Pulmonary Infection.

The presence of lymphocytes in serous fluid is associated with which four conditions?

Tuberculosis, Viral Infection, Autoimmune Disorders, and Malignancy.

What is the clinical significance of finding normal and reactive forms of mesothelial cells?

They have no clinical significance.

Which condition is associated with a decrease in mesothelial cells?

Tuberculosis.

The presence of plasma cells in serous fluid is associated with which condition?

Tuberculosis.

List three types of malignant cells that may be found in serous fluid.

Primary Adenocarcinoma, Small-cell carcinoma, and Metastatic carcinoma.

A decreased glucose level in serous fluid is seen in which conditions?

Rheumatoid inflammation and purulent infection.

An increase in lactate in serous fluid is indicative of what?

Bacterial Infection.

In what condition is a decreased pH expected, specifically if not responding to antibiotics?

Pneumonia.

What condition is associated with an increase in Adenosine Deaminase and Amylase?

Malignancy (both) and Tuberculosis (Adenosine Deaminase) or Pancreatitis (Amylase).