Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 42

Given the following results, classify this peritoneal fluid: serum albumin, 2.2 g/dL; serum protein, 6.0 g/dL; fluid albumin, 1.6 g/dL.

A. Transudate

B. Exudate

Step 1 of 2

Transudates versus Exudates:

Determination of ascitic fluid as transudate effusion or exudates effusion is the most difficult test.

• The recommended test used to determine whether ascitic fluid is transudate effusion or exudates effusion is SAAG (serum-ascites albumin gradient)

• During the test, the peritoneal fluid albumin level is subtracted from serum albumin level

• If the gradient is more than 1.1 , it suggests that the fluid is transudate effusion

• If the gradient is less than 1.1, it suggests that the fluid is exudative effusions