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Pleural fluid analysis

Normal Values: With normal values, the pleural cavity contains less than 20 milliliters (four teaspoons) of serous (clear, yellowish) fluid. What abnormal results mean: With abnormal results, the analysis of the fluid will indicate possible causes of pleural effusion, such as infection, neoplasms, heart failure, and cirrhosis. If infection is suspected, a culture of the fluid is done to determine the presence of microorganisms. Text Continues Below Another condition under which the test may be performed is hemothorax, a collection of blood in the pleura.

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