Amylase measurement, peritoneal fluid

This test measures the amount of an enzyme called amylase in ascitic fluid. Ascitic fluid is excess fluid that sometimes collects in the abdomen. This test is used to help diagnose pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Laboratory tests may be done for many reasons. Tests are performed for routine health screenings or if a disease or toxicity is suspected. Lab tests may be used to determine if a medical condition is improving or worsening. Lab tests may also be used to measure the success or failure of a medication or treatment plan. Lab tests may be ordered for professional or legal reasons. You may need this test if you have:

• Pancreatitis

A paracentesis is a procedure that requires written consent. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form.

Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics. You may be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure. Your vital signs, weight, and waist measurement will be recorded before and after a paracentesis.

Peritoneal fluid is the fluid in the space between the membrane linings of the abdomen wall and organs in the abdominal cavity. A paracentesis is a procedure that may be used to obtain a sample of peritoneal fluid. For this procedure, your skin will be shaved and cleaned, and a sterile area will be prepared. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the procedure area. A needle will be inserted through the abdominal wall into a fluid pocket. Sometimes a small incision is made to help insert the needle.

If fluid removal is difficult, you may need to change positions during the procedure to drain different pockets of fluid. After enough fluid has drained, the needle will be removed.

The amount of discomfort you feel will depend on many factors, including your sensitivity to pain. Communicate how you are feeling with the person doing the procedure. Inform the person doing the procedure if you feel that you cannot continue with the procedure.

For a paracentesis, a local anesthetic is given to numb the procedure area and decrease pain. When the numbing medicine is injected, you may feel mild discomfort or stinging. Brief pain may be felt as the needle passes through the abdominal wall. If you have a large build-up of extra peritoneal fluid, this procedure may decrease or relieve abdominal discomfort or difficulty breathing. If a large quantity of fluid is removed you may feel dizzy or light-headed. Tell the person doing the test if you feel dizzy or light-headed. The procedure site may be sore for several days.

After paracentesis is used to collect a sample of peritoneal fluid, pressure may be applied and a bandage will be secured over the puncture site. Your puncture site bandage and vital signs will be monitored frequently for a period of time after this procedure. Tell your healthcare worker immediately should you feel dizziness or weakness shortly after the procedure.

You will be given instructions for how to care for your bandage, and signs and symptoms of infection to watch for. Contact your healthcare worker if you develop a fever or increased pain, and if you see continued drainage, increasing redness, swelling, or pus formation at the procedure site.

After a paracentesis, healthcare workers may need to check your urine for any blood, as this may be a sign of bladder injury. Watch for any blood in your urine for at least 24 hours after the procedure. If you see blood in your urine, contact your healthcare worker immediately.

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.