An ascitic tap is a medical procedure where a needle is used to drain fluid that is trapped in an internal body cavity, most commonly the abdomen (belly).
To determine aetiology, to differentiate transudate versus exudate, to detect cancerous cells and to relieve respiratory distress or abdominal pain resulting from ascites.
Clear to pale yellow: Normal
Milk-coloured (Chylous): Malignant tumour, lymphoma, TB, Parasitic infection, hepatic cirrhosis
Cloudy/turbid: Peritonitis, Primary bacterial infection,
Perforated bowel, appendicitis, pancreatitis, Strangulated or infarcted bowel
Bloody tap: Benign or malignant tumour, Haemorrhagic pancreatitis, perforated ulcer
