Apologies, as I know this topic has been discussed previously.
However, the British Thoracic Society have recently published guidelines for
the management of pleural infection and there is recommendation that pleural
fluid pH should be measured. The Guidelines are in Thorax 2003, 58 (Supp
II): 18-28 and can be viewed on www.thoraxjnl.com. (See also: NEJM 2002, 346
(25): 1971-1977.)
The recommendation is that samples should be collected with heparin and
analysed on a blood gas analyser within 24 h after collection.
I wonder how many labs are currently offering this service? I would be
interested to learn how these samples should be handled - particularly with
regards to control of infection issues. Are all samples being spun before
analysis? The guidelines state that "extensive clinical experience of this
technique, particularly in the US, has shown that it does not damage the
blood gas analyser".
Many thanks
Rachel Still
Rachel Still
Clinical Scientist
Dept. Clinical Biochemistry
Princess of Wales Hospital
Bridgend
Mid Glamorgan
CF31 1RQ
Tel: 01656 752079
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