Ascitic Fluid Examination Test Cost & Procedure

Water buildup in the abdomen is a defining feature of ascites. The ascitic fluid test examines the properties of the water and the presence of different cells and proteins. Ascites are frequently observed in people with cirrhosis, but they can also occur in several other non-liver-related illnesses.

Ascites symptoms include things like:

• abdominal bloating from the sides
• abdominal fluid moving sensation

To confirm ascites, an ultrasonography exam could be performed.

Once ascites have been identified, the physician must identify the underlying reason because the prognosis for ascites necessitating hospitalisation drops to about 85% after a year. The ascitic fluid test is one method for determining why fluid has accumulated in a body.

What is done in this test?

In an ascitic fluid test, the fluid's physical characteristics, such as colour, turbidity, and the presence or absence of blood, are analysed. The liquid is then physically examined, and its amounts of proteins, including albumin, white blood cells, glucose, adenosine deaminase, amylase, bilirubin, etc., are measured. The ascitic fluid may occasionally also be examined for its pH, lactate content, presence of pathogens, and tumour markers. The doctor may also request a cell culture test and a gramme stain test if necessary.

The purpose of an ascitic fluid test:

The following situations call for a suggested ascitic fluid test:

• Cirrhosis and unexplained fever
•  abdominal pain
• to assess the existence of infections in a cirrhotic patient to identify the source of abdominal fluid buildup
• Ascites can come in various forms and are brought on by dysfunction in several organs, including the liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, and ovaries.
• The doctor must determine the precise reason for the fluid buildup. The underlying disease is reflected in the fluid's amounts of different chemicals.

How do you get ready for an ascitic fluid examination?

A particular preparation is not required for an ascitic fluid test. Each person getting this test needs to disclose to the doctor any potential medical conditions they may have, as well as any prescription drugs or dietary supplements they may be taking. If a woman is expecting, she should disclose this to the doctor before the test. A complete and thorough medical history should be provided to the doctor as well, as past health issues could be the source of ascites.

How do you conduct an ascitic fluid test?

• Any time of day is acceptable for collecting this process; these must go to the testing facility.
• The patient will be asked to lie on their back or side as the doctor examines their belly to determine where the fluid should be administered.
• The site of insertion is either to the left or to the right of the belly button.
• The doctor will next use a sterile solution to clean the puncture site before applying a numbing lotion.
• A sterile needle will aspirate around 50 mL of fluid from the abdomen.
• The fluid sample is subsequently taken to a lab for analysis.