Evaluation of Ascites Studies
Last updated: April 6, 2026, 10:13 PM Pacific Time (PDT)
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Interactive ascites calculator
Clear inputs
activate assistant
Check the box to turn on automatic ascitic-fluid interpretation.
Ascites labs to order
Core labs
Serum albumin + ascitic albumin
Ascitic total protein
Cell count and differential
RBC count for bloody tap correction
Ascitic fluid culture
Glucose / LDH
If secondary peritonitis is a concern
Cytology
If malignancy is a concern
Optional labs
AFB / TB studies
Subacute symptoms, lymphocytic ascites, exposure risk, endemic risk, or immunocompromise
Triglycerides
Milky fluid, lymphatic obstruction, malignancy, trauma, or chylous ascites concern
Amylase
Pancreatitis, pancreatic duct leak, bowel perforation, or very high-risk abdominal source
SAAG and portal HTN
Serum albumin (g/dL)
Ascitic albumin (g/dL)
Ascitic total protein (g/dL)
Select SAAG or total protein above to enter values.
SBP cell count
Ascitic WBC (cells/mm3)
PMN percent (%)
PMN absolute (cells/mm3)
Ascitic RBC (cells/mm3)
Select cell count or RBC correction above to enter values.
Culture and add-ons
Culture result
Unknown / pending
Negative
Positive
Polymicrobial
Ascitic glucose (mg/dL)
Ascitic LDH (U/L)
Cytology
Unknown / pending
Negative
Positive
Ascitic amylase
Ascitic triglycerides (mg/dL)
AFB / TB studies
Unknown / pending
Negative
Positive
Select culture or add-on studies above to enter values.
Peritoneal signs, perforation concern, or poor response to SBP therapy
Calculated interpretation
Recommended next labs, imaging, and diagnostics