Pleural:

Pleural fluid transudate total protein to serum ratio typically ≤ 0.5.

Pleural fluid exudate total protein to serum total protein ratio typically > 0.5. 

Peritoneal:

Ascitic fluid total protein is a reflection of serum protein concentration and may be useful in differentiating secondary bacterial peritonitis from spontaneous bacterial peritonitis when two of three criteria are met in ascetic fluid:

• Total protein > 1.0 g/dL
• Glucose < 50 mg/dL
• LDH > upper reference limit for serum

Ascitic fluid total protein may be elevated > 2.5 g/dL in patients with high Albumin gradient ascites caused by heart failure.

Sterile container

1. Centrifuge for 5 -10 minutes to remove any cellular material.
2. Transfer supernatant to a False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL)
3. Refrigerate

False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL)

• Source

Refrigerated - 5 days

• Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Hemolysis (some procedures)
• Delay in transport
• Improper storage temperature affecting results
• Improper container
• Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
• Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Photometric, Biuret

Undefined