Cholesterol-TotalBody Fluid

The Cholesterol-Total Body Fluid test measures the concentration of cholesterol in a body fluid sample.

The Cholesterol-Total Body Fluid test is done to help diagnose and monitor the following conditions:

• Pleural effusion: An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. Pleural effusion can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and fever. It can be caused by various factors, such as heart failure, pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, or trauma.
• Peritoneal effusion: An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, which is the space between the abdominal organs and the abdominal wall. Peritoneal effusion can cause abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. It can be caused by various factors, such as liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, pancreatitis, peritonitis, or cancer.
• Pericardial effusion: An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, which is the thin layer of tissue that surrounds the heart. Pericardial effusion can cause chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure. It can be caused by various factors, such as viral infection, autoimmune disease, radiation therapy, or cancer.

The Cholesterol-Total Body Fluid test may be recommended in the following situations:

• • When a patient has signs and symptoms of fluid accumulation in the body cavities, such as dyspnea, chest pain, abdominal pain, or edema.
  • When a patient has a known or suspected condition that can cause fluid accumulation in the body cavities, such as heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, or cancer.
  • When a patient has undergone a procedure to remove or drain excess fluid from the body cavities, such as thoracentesis, paracentesis, or pericardiocentesis.

A positive result in the Cholesterol-Total Body Fluid test may indicate high levels of cholesterol in the body fluid sample. This can suggest a pseudochylous effusion or a cholesterol effusion. A pseudochylous effusion is caused by chronic inflammation or infection and has low triglycerides and high cholesterol levels. A cholesterol effusion is caused by the breakdown of cellular membranes and has very high cholesterol levels (>200 mg/dL).

The Cholesterol-Total Body Fluid test involves collecting a body fluid sample from the affected cavity using a sterile needle and syringe. The procedure may vary depending on the type of fluid and the location of collection.

Patients who are scheduled to take the Cholesterol-Total Body Fluid test should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions on how to prepare for the test.

Other tests that may be ordered along with the CTBF test include:

• Total protein test: To measure the amount of protein in the body fluid sample.
• Triglycerides test: To measure the amount of triglycerides in the body fluid sample.
• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test: To measure the level of LDH, an enzyme that indicates tissue damage, in the body fluid sample.
• Glucose test: To measure the level of glucose, a type of sugar, in the body fluid sample.
• Culture and sensitivity test: To identify and test the sensitivity of any microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, that may be present in the body fluid sample.

• Cholesterol, Body Fluid Test