• Routine
• Cell count with differential
• Albumin
• Gram stain and culture
• Optional
• Total protein
• Glucose
• Lactate dehydrogenase
• Amylase
• Unusual
• Tuberculosis smear and culture
• Cytology
• Triglyceride
• Bilirubin
• Unhelpful
• pH
• Lactate
• Cholesterol
• Fibronectin

Table 44-14 -- Ascitic Fluid Laboratory Data to Be Obtained on Patients With Ascites
from Roberts: Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine, 4th ed.,
which was taken from Runyon BA: Ascites. In Schiff L, Schiff ER (eds): Diseases of the Liver,
7th ed. Philadelphia, Lippincott-Raven, 1993, p 997.