Peritoneal fluid analysis

Normal values:

The normal appearance of peritoneal fluid is clear to pale yellow in an amount less than 2 ounces. There are no red blood cells.

• protein: 0.3 to 4.1 g/dl
• glucose: 70 to 100 mg/dl
• amylase: 138 to 404 amylase units per liter
• alkaline phosphatase: normal for sex and age
• LDH is equal to serum level

Cytology:
No malignant cells are present.
No bacteria are present.
No fungi are present.

Note: gm/dl = grams per deciliter

What abnormal results mean:

Milk-colored peritoneal fluid may indicate disease such as carcinoma, lymphoma, tuberculosis or infection. Bloody fluid may indicate tumor or trauma. Bile-stained fluid may indicate gallbladder problems. High white blood cell counts may indicate peritonitis or cirrhosis. Other laboratory abnormalities may indicate abnormalities in the intestinal or abdominal organs.