Aspirated Pericardial fluid Analysis Test

Pericardial fluid is the serous fluid secreted by the pericardium or the membranous covering of the heart into the pericardial cavity. Pericardial effusion or the accumulation of pericardial fluid around the heart might be due to bacterial or viral infections, cancers, and inflammatory disorders. The symptoms include unexplained chest pain, nausea, and shortness of breath, abdominal fullness and difficulty in swallowing. Excessively high accumulation causes a blue tinge to lips and skin, and can even lead to shocks and affect mental state. Aspiration of the pericardial fluid involves the drawing out of the pericardial fluid and testing it for signs of infection or cancer while it relieves the symptoms.

All prior medication must be informed to the doctor. Medical conditions including diabetes and allergies must be conveyed in prior to adjust the procedure accordingly.

The fluid is subjected is stored at room temperature initially, and then refrigerated and frozen. It is subjected to a variety of tests including glucose test, cell count, and protein test. Presence of large number of white blood cells indicates malignancy or rheumatic cause. If the WBC count is low, it indicates a possibility of Myxdema. If malignancy is suspected then it undergoes tests for cancers and tumors. A number of TB tests are also performed to check for infection. BNP test is done to check for possibilities of heart failure. A molecular analysis is made for checking the presence of any bacterial, viral or fungal agents. Depending on the current and previous lab results and patient’s medical records, the doctor diagnoses the issue.

You will be placed on a specialized table and administered a mild sedative to calm you An anesthetic will be administered to your chest area to numb you. A needle will be inserted, following which a catheter will be threaded into the sac region surrounding your heart using images from an ECG (echocardiogram) or X-ray image. The fluid will then be drained out into the catheter. The whole procedure takes 20-90 minutes. The fluid is then sent to the research lab for analysis.