LD,Pleural

Test Code

LD,PLEURAL

Alias/See Also

Chemistry

Preferred Specimen

Pleural fluid

Minimum Volume

2 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 4 days
Frozen (-20°C or colder): 6 weeks

Methodology
Enzymatic

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

TAT 1 day

Limitations

Body fluid test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by VA West Roxbury Laboratory. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. The laboratory is regulated under CLIA as qualified to perform high-complexity testing. This test is used for clinical purposes. It should not be regarded as investigational or for research.

Reference Range

Exudate > 120 U/L
Transudate < 120 U/L

Clinical Significance

The most reliable tests for differentiating between the transudates and exudates are the simultaneous analysis of pleural fluid and serum from lactic dehydrogenase (LD) and total protein levels. The main usefulness in defining serous body fluids as a transudate or exudate is to determine which effusions need further laboratory evaluation.

Performing Laboratory
Test performed at West Roxbury Chemistry Lab
Contact: Jonathan Dryjowicz-Burek 857-203-5973

Last Updated: April 8, 2019

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.