Test Details
Methodology
Enzymatic
Result Turnaround Time
1 - 2 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
Decreased fluid glucose concentration is usually associated with septic or inflammatory processes; in pleural effusion, very low glucose is a facet of rheumatoid effusion: pleural fluid glucose <50 mg/dL characterizes rheumatoid effusion. It is often much less.
Special Instructions
The request form must state site of fluid (ie, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, synovial).
Custom Additional Information
Potts et al describe loculated effusions or empyemas with low glucose and low pH. Low glucose is found with empyema, tuberculosis, neoplasia, and rheumatoid effusion.1 In cases of malignant pleural effusions, when there is low pleural fluid glucose (<60 mg/dL) and pH <7.30, a probability of 90% that the cytologic yield will be positive was reported.2
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Any fresh body fluid
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Sterile container
Collection Instructions
Collect aseptically into sterile tube.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Reference Range
• Peritoneal: Not established
• Pleural:
− Transudate: Equal to simultaneously drawn plasma
− Exudate: Equal to simultaneously drawn plasma
• Synovial: Equal to simultaneously drawn plasma
The method performance specifications have not been established for this test in body fluid. The test result should be integrated into clinical context for interpretation.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Patient Preparation
On synovial fluid collection only, patient should fast for eight hours.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling
Footnotes
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 019497 | Glucose, Body Fluid | 2344-0 | 019497 | Glucose, Body Fluid | mg/dL | 2344-0 |
| Order Code | 019497 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Glucose, Body Fluid | |||||
| Order Loinc | 2344-0 | |||||
| Result Code | 019497 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Glucose, Body Fluid | |||||
| UofM | mg/dL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 2344-0 |