Lung Fluid Diameter Measurement (Lung Ultrasound Assessment)
This test measures the size of fluid collections in your lungs using ultrasound, often done to check for conditions like pleural effusion or pulmonary edema.
["Assesses lung fluid buildup with ultrasound for potential health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53671-4
- Short code
- Fet Lung-L Diam US.meas
- Synonyms
- Fet Lung-L Diam US.meas
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-measured
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
A lung ultrasound evaluates the thickness of the pleural line (the membrane surrounding your lungs) and looks for signs of fluid accumulation, such as pleural effusion. It also checks for B-lines (artifacts that may indicate interstitial syndrome or fluid in the lung tissue).
Why It’s Performed
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling, especially if you have conditions like heart failure, pneumonia, or kidney disease that can cause fluid buildup in the lungs.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions like pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs), pulmonary edema (fluid in lung tissue), or other lung-related fluid collections.
Procedure Details
You’ll lie down while a technician uses a handheld ultrasound probe on your chest. The probe sends sound waves that create images of the lung and surrounding areas. This is generally painless and quick, often taking less than 10 minutes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Lung ultrasound diameter evaluation
Frequently asked questions
This test provides visual confirmation of fluid in the lungs that may not be detected by other tests like X-rays or bloodwork alone. It helps guide treatment decisions, such as managing fluid retention or identifying complications from lung conditions.
A positive result indicates the presence of abnormal fluid or tissue changes in your lungs, which may signal conditions like fluid overload, infection, or structural lung issues. Your doctor will discuss next steps based on your symptoms and test findings.
Frequency depends on your health condition and treatment plan. Your doctor will determine if repeat testing is needed, often based on symptoms, medical history, or response to treatment.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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