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Pleural Fluid pH
Test CodePHFPFL
Preferred Specimen
Pleural
Instructions
Specimens should be drawn anaerobically in a green top tube, Send tube on ice to lab
Transport Container
Green top tube
Transport Temperature
Samples may be stored in the ice-water slurry for up to 2 hours without significant change in pH
Reference Range
See report for normal ranges.
Clinical Significance
The pH of the small amount of pleural fluid normally present in humans is 7.64.When a pleural effusion occurs, the pH of pleural fluid approaches that of blood. A pleural fluid pH of less than 7.30 may be seen with any of the following diagnoses: empyema, malignant disorder, collagen diseases, tuberculosis, esophageal rupture, or hemothorax. A pleural pH of 7.30 to 7.40 usually indicates a benign condition and resolves spontaneously.