The concentration of lactate in the ascitic fluid can be used to find out if the ascitic fluid is infected or not. The lactate is produced by almost every cell in the body and the concentration of lactate is generally low. The cells normally generate energy by converting glucose in the presence of oxygen. During the lack or decreased oxygen supply, the cells produce lactate which is then converted to produce ATP as energy. The increase or decrease in the lactate levels may indicate the presence of conditions or diseases which may either increase lactate production or decrease lactate clearance or presence of any metabolic disorders like diabetes, lactic acidosis etc.
Lactate is a product of cell metabolism. Large amounts of lactate are produced by the cells during the lack of oxygen due to strenuous exercise or in seriously ill patients who are suffering from conditions like sepsis, hypoxia, lactic acidosis, etc. The lactate is released into the blood which is then metabolized and excreted by the liver. The blood concentrations of lactate may be used to evaluate the disease or disorders.
The protein-containing fluid present within the abdomen is called as ascitic fluid. The condition in which excess of ascitic fluid is accumulated within the abdominal cavity is called ascites. This condition may be usually caused in diseases or conditions like liver cirrhosis, bacterial or fungal infections of the abdomen (peritonitis), advanced stages of cancer, liver or kidney failure, intestinal obstruction or ischemia etc. This fluid fills the space between the lining of the abdomen and the organs.
This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like abdominal distension, abdominal discomfort, fever, diarrhea, low urine output, fatigue, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, reduced appetite, etc. This test may be specially performed to check if there are any bacterial or fungal infections or not.
This test is recommended to patients suffering from diseases or conditions like bacterial or viral peritonitis, sepsis, shock, liver and kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes etc. This test may also be recommended to evaluate the progress of the treatment or to evaluate the condition of the patient.
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Lactate Ascitic Fluid. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Lactate Ascitic Fluid.
No special preparation is needed for this test.
If your lactate ascitic fluid test results are higher than the normal range then it may indicate the presence of bacterial or fungal peritonitis, alcohol consumption, cancer or tumors in abdominal region or organs, stomach or intestinal ulcers etc.
If your lactate ascitic fluid test results are lower than the normal range then it may indicate the presence of Kidney disease, Liver failure, Cystic fibrosis etc.
Based on the test results, your doctor may advise you appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests, etc.
Gender | Age groups | Value |
UNISEX | All age groups | Fluid LD activity is normally less than plasma LD activity. Equal in inflammatory processes |