Pathology

Test & Collection Guide

Pleural Fluid pH

Ordering information:

Sample must be take at time of catheter insertion. Sample must be collected directly from the catheter into the blood gas syringe (not from the drain bag). Sample must be walked directly to the analyser (whether lab or external) for analysis.

Sample cannot be added on.

Alternate names:

PlF pH

Laboratory:

Biochemistry

Medicare details:

MBS number: N/A
100% MBS price:

Specimen types:

not required

Container types:

Blood Gas Syringe

Collection Instructions:

Transport at 37 degrees to lab

Minimum Adult Volume:

1 mL

Paediatric Minimum Volume:

1 mL

Frequency:

Daily

Result Turnaround Time:

30 minutes

Reference Interval:

Pleural fluid pH is a sensitive marker for sepsis at a clinical cut-point of 7.20, pleural fluid glucose adds little if pleural fluid pH is available and < 7.2, but can be useful in the absence of a reliable pH measure.