title: Biochemical analysis of pleural, peritoneal and pericardial effusions.
abstract: Body fluids other than blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid are often submitted for biochemical analysis. Of these, pleural, peritoneal and pericardial fluids are the most common. Laboratory tests are a useful tool to assess the aetiology, pathophysiology and subsequent treatment of effusions. A wide range of biochemical tests may be requested. This review critically examines the various analytes that have been used to investigate these body fluids.
authors.affiliation: TREAD Research/Cardiology Unit, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 19174, Tygerberg 7505, Parow, South Africa. lburgess@iafrica.com
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Burgess
mesh_terms: D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor