Protein, Total – Pericardial Fluid
Use
Measurement of total protein concentration in pericardial fluid can help differentiate exudative from transudative effusions and guide clinical evaluation of underlying conditions such as infection, inflammation, neoplastic disease, or cardiac pathology; results should be interpreted in conjunction with serum or plasma protein levels.
Special Instructions
Requires pericardial fluid sample; specify fluid type on container. Centrifuge to remove cellular material prior to analysis. Not FDA-approved for some body fluids; interpret with caution.
Limitations
Analytical performance and reference ranges for total protein measurement in pericardial fluid may not be fully established; matrix interference may occur. Not approved by FDA for this sample type, and results should be interpreted in clinical context. Published evaluations (e.g., Roche cobas 8000) showed no systematic matrix interference, but limitations remain.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 hours
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
1 mL (preferred)
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Red top tube (clot activator) or transparent red top tube
Collection Instructions
Indicate fluid type on specimen container; centrifuge to remove cellular material.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature; refrigerated and frozen stability longer (not specified here).
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Room Temperature: 1 week |
| Refrigerated | Refrigerated: 1 month |
| Frozen | Frozen: 2 months |