Test guide
Pleural Fluid Analysis
A pleural fluid analysis is a group of tests that examine a sample of abnormal fluid that builds up in the space between your lungs and chest wall. This space is called the pleural space.
What it is for
A pleural fluid analysis helps find the cause of a pleural effusion. There are different types of fluid that can build up in the pleural space. The type of fluid you have will depend on the cause. A pleural fluid analysis is used to figure out which type of fluid you have. This information helps narrow down the possible causes. A pleural fluid analysis alone may not find the specific condition causing your pleural effusion. But the results help your health care provider decide which other tests to order to help make a final diagnosis. Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Medical test information is public domain. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Limitations
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also known as
- pleural fluid aspiration, diagnostic thoracentesis, pleural fluid tap, pleural fluid culture, pleural fluid cytology, pleural effusion testing, LDH body fluid
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