Related Experiment Videos
Gas chromatographically quantitated lactate in empyema and other pleural effusions
A M Jokipii1, K Kiviranta, L Jokipii
1Department of Serology and Bacteriology, Helsinki, Finland.
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Gas chromatography measurement of lactate in pleural fluid can help diagnose empyema. Elevated lactate levels in pleural fluid samples are a strong indicator of empyema, with stable concentrations allowing for retrospective analysis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Biochemistry
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pleural effusion is a common clinical condition with diverse etiologies.
- Distinguishing between infectious (empyema) and non-infectious pleural effusions is crucial for appropriate patient management.
- Accurate and rapid diagnostic methods for empyema are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of gas chromatographically measured lactate levels in differentiating empyema from other causes of pleural effusion.
- To assess the stability of lactate concentration in pleural fluid samples during storage.
Main Methods:
- Consecutive pleural fluid samples were collected from patients.
- Lactate concentration was quantified using gas chromatography.
- Samples were stored at 4 degrees C for up to two years to assess stability.
Main Results:
- The mean lactate concentration in empyema cases (11.60 mM) was significantly higher than in non-empyema cases (3.98 mM).
- Lactate concentrations remained stable in pleural fluid samples stored at 4 degrees C for two years.
- Gas chromatographic lactate measurement demonstrated high diagnostic value for empyema.
Conclusions:
- Gas chromatographic quantification of lactate in pleural fluid is a valuable tool for the presumptive diagnosis of empyema.
- The stability of lactate concentration supports its use in retrospective diagnostic analyses.
- This method offers a reliable approach to aid in the diagnosis of pleural infections.