 |
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
|
|
|
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
|
Pleural fluid smearDefinitionPleural fluid smear is a laboratory procedure to check for tiny organisms or abnormal cells in the fluid found in the space around the lungs. Why the Test is PerformedThe test is performed when the health care provider suspects an infection of the pleural space, or when a chest x-ray reveals an abnormal collection of pleural fluid. How the Test is PerformedA health care provider examines a sample of pleural fluid under the microscope. If the smear detects organisms, other methods may be used to identify those organisms. How the Test Will FeelThe sample is obtained through a procedure called thoracentesis. For information about this test and its risks, see thoracentesis. RisksSee: Thoracentesis Normal ResultsNormally, no organisms are present in the pleural fluid. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results. What Abnormal Results MeanPositive results may indicate that microorganisms or cancer cells are present. Other tests can help identify the specific type of infection or cancer.
Review Date: 11/12/2007 Reviewed By: Andrew Schriber, M.D., F.C.C.P., Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, New Jersey. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.  |
|
|
Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) |
