.jpg){kind=logo}
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
PH, BODY FLUID
Test CodeFPH (OE & LAB)
CPT Codes
83986
Preferred Specimen
Conical Centrifuge Tube
Patient Preparation
None
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Transport Tube (found in collection kits)
Transport Container
FLUID Container
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature
Specimen Stability
2-8°C up to 7 days
Methodology
pH Strip
Setup Schedule
DAILY, as received
Report Available
STAT: <60 minutes
Routine: <4 hours
Routine: <4 hours
Reference Range
Male/Female All Ages: Normal Range: Not Appicable
Clinical Significance
This test is intended to assess pH in body fluids. pH can indicate whether a fluid is acidic, alkaline, or neutral. The pH of the blood is approximately 7.4. The clinical significance of the pH of pleural, pericardial, gastric, and ocular fluids has been described. The clinical significance of pH alterations of many other body fluids is not known.
pH of pleural fluid may be ordered when evaluating the nature of a pleural effusion. A transudative pleural effusion due to pressure-induced fluid leakage typically has a pH in the range of 7.45 to 7.55, whereas an exudative pleural effusion due to inflammation-mediated fluid leakage generally has a pH in the range of 7.30 to 7.45 . The American College of Chest Physicians defines a complicated parapneumatic (or pleural) effusion as one that has a pH less than 7.2 and suggests aggressive management of such effusions.
The pH of pericardial fluid has been used to differentiate between inflammatory (pH 7.06 +/- 0.07) and non-inflammatory (pH 7.42 +/- 0.06) causes of pericardial effusions.
The pH of gastric contents has been defined as less than 3.5. Any value above that is considered abnormal.
The pH of ocular fluid has been defined as approximately 7.0. Measurement of ocular fluid pH may be used following chemical injury to the eye to assess adequacy of flushing in the removal of the chemical agent.
pH of ascitic (peritoneal) fluid has been shown to correlate with neutrophil count but is generally considered nonspecific in the evaluation of cause for fluid accumulation within the abdomen.
pH measurements of body fluid are most informative when used as adjunctive data, alongside additional clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings, as well as to support a pretest clinical assessment.
pH of pleural fluid may be ordered when evaluating the nature of a pleural effusion. A transudative pleural effusion due to pressure-induced fluid leakage typically has a pH in the range of 7.45 to 7.55, whereas an exudative pleural effusion due to inflammation-mediated fluid leakage generally has a pH in the range of 7.30 to 7.45 . The American College of Chest Physicians defines a complicated parapneumatic (or pleural) effusion as one that has a pH less than 7.2 and suggests aggressive management of such effusions.
The pH of pericardial fluid has been used to differentiate between inflammatory (pH 7.06 +/- 0.07) and non-inflammatory (pH 7.42 +/- 0.06) causes of pericardial effusions.
The pH of gastric contents has been defined as less than 3.5. Any value above that is considered abnormal.
The pH of ocular fluid has been defined as approximately 7.0. Measurement of ocular fluid pH may be used following chemical injury to the eye to assess adequacy of flushing in the removal of the chemical agent.
pH of ascitic (peritoneal) fluid has been shown to correlate with neutrophil count but is generally considered nonspecific in the evaluation of cause for fluid accumulation within the abdomen.
pH measurements of body fluid are most informative when used as adjunctive data, alongside additional clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings, as well as to support a pretest clinical assessment.
Performing Laboratory
Mount Sinai Hospital
