1. Comparison of the use and accuracy of methods for determining pleural fluid pH.
- Author
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Chandler TM, McCoskey EH, Byrd RP Jr, and Roy TM
- Subjects
- Humans, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Pleural Effusion, Malignant chemistry, Predictive Value of Tests, Prognosis, Southeastern United States, Blood Gas Analysis instrumentation, Pleural Effusion chemistry
- Abstract
Background: The blood gas analyzer (BGA) has been considered the "gold standard" for pleural fluid pH determination., Methods: We report the various methods used to measure pleural fluid pH by 277 acute care institutions who responded to a mailed questionnaire. The techniques used included the BGA (32%), dip stick or pH indicator paper (56%), and a pH meter (12%). We tested 36 consecutive exudative pleural fluid samples using each method., Results: The alternative methods were incomparable to accurately measuring pleural fluid pH by the BGA, with a mean difference of 0.16 pH unit. With a delay in testing, the pH of the pleural fluid was more alkalotic and variable, with a mean difference of 0.039 pH unit., Conclusions: Clinicians should be encouraged to test selected samples for pleural fluid pH by the BGA when accurate measurements will influence therapy.
- Published
- 1999
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