Reference Range

Interpretive Guidelines Ascites/Peritoneal Fluid:

Total protein is less reliable for peritoneal fluid than for pleural fluid.  "High protein ascites" (values greater than 2.5 g/dL) is typical of an exudate but can be found in 15% to 20% of subjects who have hepatic disease. "Low protein ascites" (values less than 2.5 g/dL) is typical of a transudate, but can be seen in a similar fraction of patients with malignant disease.  Simultaneous measurement of fluid and serum albumin with calculation of Albs-a (serum-ascites albumin gradient) may be more useful than total protein..