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 #

Pleural Fluid pH

Test Code
PHFPFL


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.




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.