Specimen Requirements

Special Note: pH readings should be taken as soon as possible, exposure to air may cause a change in pH.  Contamination with blood will interfere with the reading.

1 mL of peritoneal or pleural fluid in a green-top (heparin) tube or a plain, red-top tube.  Transport ambient to lab promptly.  

1. Indicate peritoneal or pleural fluid on request form.
2. Label container with patient’s name, date of birth or hospital medical record number, date, specimen source, time of collection, and collector’s initials.