Chylomicron, Fluids

Diagnostic Use

Detection of chylomicrons in body fluid is useful for distinguishing between chylous and non-chylous effusions.

Chylous effusions are characterized by the presence of chyle, which contains chylomicrons circulating through the lymphatic system. Cholesterol concentrations in serous effusions increase over time due to chronic exudative processes that cause cell lysis or increased vascular permeability. These fluids have a milky appearance that can be confused with chylous effusions. While chylous effusions often have elevated triglyceride concentrations and decreased cholesterol concentrations, identification of chylomicrons is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

LIPE + FLUD - for Pleural fluids

Synonyms

Chyle Cholesterol

Turnaround Time

14 days

Test Code

4004