pH - Pleural Fluid

1 mL of pleural fluid collected anaerobically in 1 x 5 mL red top tube or dark green sodium heparin tube or heparinized syringe.

Unspun light green (mint) top PST tube is acceptable.

Testing should be performed immediately due to specimen integrity.

Analysis is performed by Respiratory Therapy.
 
When specimen is received in a sterile orange top container and must also go to Microbiology, Hematology (using sterile technique) can remove 1 mL of pleural fluid and put into a DARK GREEN SODIUM HEPARIN tube for Respiratory. Avoid leaving the fluid container unsealed for greater than
1 minute. Arrange for delivery of aliquot tube to Respiratory.

Glucose results are reported as part of the BGF panel.

For additional information, see CSF and Body Fluid Collection Guidelines.