Specimen: ascites fluid
Dipstick: Medi-Test Combi 11 (Macherey-Nagel, Dueren, Germany)
Parameters:
(1) dipstick protein in mg/dL
(2) dipstick glucose in mg/dL
(3) dipstick pH
K =
= (0.012 * (dipstick protein)) - (0.012 * (dipstick glucose)) - (3.329 * (dipstick pH))
where:
• Values for protein and glucose are in mg/dL and not 1+, 2+, etc.
• The protein by dipstick was only about 10-20% of value in the laboratory.
• The glucose by dispstick was higher than the value determined in the laboratory.
Interpretation:
• A K value < 0 indicates an exudates.
• A K value > 0 indicates a transudate.
• A K value =0 is indeterminate.
Performance:
• The equation probably has to be adapted for a specific brand of dipstick.
• There is some interobserver variation in the reading of a dipstick unless a dipstick reader is used.
