Cholesterol, Body Fluid
Use
This test aids in the diagnosis of a cholesterol effusion or cholesterol-rich pseudochylous effusion in body fluids, such as differentiating between chylous and pseudochylous pleural effusions or between malignant and nonmalignant ascites. Cholesterol analysis in peritoneal fluid can help separate malignant ascites from nonmalignant, cirrhotic ascites. The analysis of pleural fluid cholesterol has been researched for differentiating exudates from transudates using Light's criteria but doesn't add significant value beyond it.
Special Instructions
Date and time of collection are required, as well as the specimen source. This test measures cholesterol in body fluids, useful for screening cholesterol effusions. For a more comprehensive analysis of effusions, including cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, BFLA1 / Lipid Analysis, Body Fluid is recommended.
Limitations
In rare cases, certain conditions like gammopathy, particularly type IgM (Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia), and the presence of N-acetylcysteine or its metabolites (such as NAPQI), might result in unreliable test results. While Light's criteria are commonly used, cholesterol measurements do not add much value for differentiating exudative vs. transudative effusions.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 12183-0
- 14725-6
- 12183-0
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial, initially collected in a sterile container
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge to remove any cellular material and transfer into a plastic vial. Indicate the specimen source and source location on the label.
Causes for Rejection
Gross icterus rejects; anticoagulant additives or non-approved fluids (e.g., amniotic fluid, breast milk, saliva) reject.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |