Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What It Measures, How the Sample Is Collected, and Why Your Doctor May Order It
This test checks for the presence of basophils (a type of white blood cell) in fluid collected from the abdominal cavity.
{"Detects basophils in abdominal (peritoneal) fluid using microscopy","Helps identify infections, inflammatory conditions, or malignancies","Normally, basophils are rarely found in peritoneal fluid","Sample is collected via a procedure called paracentesis","Results help doctors diagnose the cause of abdominal fluid accumulation"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44044-6
- Short code
- BASO-PF
- Synonyms
- Basophils Prt Ql Micro
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile leak-proof container (50 mL conical tube) without anticoagulant for cell count; EDTA tube for cell differential preservation; sodium heparin acceptable for some analyses
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- CPT
- 89051
- SNOMED
- 167-10005
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL of peritoneal fluid; minimum 5 mL recommended for adequate cytologic evaluation
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours for cell count and differential; Room temperature: 2 hours. Specimens should be processed promptly for optimal cell morphology. Fixatives or smears required for delayed analysis.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 2–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and what does it measure?
The Basophils in Peritoneal Fluid test is a laboratory analysis that examines fluid collected from the abdominal cavity (peritoneal fluid) to detect the presence of basophils. Basophils are a type of white blood cell that play a role in the immune system's response to allergens and infections. Using light microscopy, laboratory technicians count and identify these cells to help determine if there is an abnormal condition present.
How is the sample for this test collected?
Peritoneal fluid is collected through a procedure called paracentesis (also known as abdominal tap). During this procedure, a doctor inserts a thin needle through the skin into the abdominal cavity to withdraw excess fluid. The fluid is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The presence and number of basophils, along with other cell types, are examined under a microscope.
Why might I need this test, and what can the results tell my doctor?
Your doctor may order this test if you have accumulated fluid in your abdominal cavity (ascites). This test helps determine the cause of the fluid buildup, which could be due to various conditions such as infection, liver disease, heart failure, cancer, or inflammatory disorders. Identifying basophils and other cell types provides important diagnostic information.
Reference range
Basophils are typically absent or rarely present (less than 1%) in normal peritoneal fluid. Presence of basophils may indicate allergic, inflammatory, or neoplastic processes.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be prepared for paracentesis procedure per institutional protocol. Informed consent required. Patient should void bladder prior to procedure to reduce risk of bladder injury.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The presence of basophils in peritoneal fluid can indicate several conditions. Elevated basophils may suggest an allergic reaction, parasitic infection, or certain inflammatory conditions. In some cases, high basophil counts may be associated with certain types of leukemia or other malignancies. However, basophils are typically rare in normal peritoneal fluid, so their presence in significant numbers warrants further investigation. Doctors interpret these results together with other test findings, clinical symptoms, and imaging studies to make an accurate diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks associated with this test?
What do abnormal results mean?
Sources
- 1
- 2Mayo Clinic - AscitesSource
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy