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

Exercise 43

Differentiation between bacterial peritonitis and cirrhosis is done by performing a/an:

A. WBC count

B. Differential

C. Absolute neutrophil count

D. Absolute lymphocyte count

Step 1 of 2

Peritoneal fluid:

The fluid accumulated between the peritoneal membranes is termed as ascites, and the fluid is referred as peritoneal fluid, but it is most commonly called as ascitic fluid.

Laboratory test of peritoneal fluid to determine infection:

WBC (White Blood Cells) count less than 350 cells/µL is considered as the normal cell count in the peritoneal fluid.

• The WBC count increases in bacterial peritonitis and cirrhosis

• To differentiate the bacterial peritonitis and cirrhosis, a new test known as “absolute neutrophil count” should be performed

• Absolute neutrophil count of >250 cells/µL or >50% of the total WBC count signifies that the fluid is infected

Therefore, “absolute neutrophil count” should be performed to differentiate between the bacterial peritonitis and cirrhosis. Hence, the correct answer is option.