Paracentesis

No infection, cancer, or abnormal values are found.

Several tests may be done on the fluid.

• Cell counts. A high number of Reference white blood cells (WBCs) Opens New Window in the fluid may mean inflammation, infection (Reference peritonitis Opens New Window), or cancer are present. A high WBC count and a high count of certain white blood cells (called polymorphonuclear leukocytes, or PMN) may mean a certain type of infection inside the belly called spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).
• Serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG). The SAAG compares the level of protein in the fluid to the level of protein in the blood. High protein levels in the fluid may mean cancer, Reference tuberculosis Opens New Window, Reference nephrotic syndrome Opens New Window, or Reference pancreatitis Opens New Window. Low protein levels in the fluid may mean Reference cirrhosis Opens New Window or clots in veins of the liver are present.
• Culture. A Reference culture Opens New Window can be done on the fluid to see whether bacteria or other infectious organisms are present.
• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). High levels of the Reference enzyme Opens New Window LDH may mean infection or cancer is present.
• Cytology. Abnormal cells in the fluid may mean cancer is present.
• Amylase. High levels of amylase may mean pancreatitis or that there is a hole in the intestine.
• Glucose. Low levels of glucose may mean infection.