Evolución del equilibrio ácido-base del líquido pleural durante las 2 primeras horas de la toracocentesis

The pH and PCO2 of pleural fluid did not change significantly during the first 2 hours following thoracentesis, whereas PO2 did undergo a significant change. Keeping samples on ice during this period is unnecessary. Only a higher red blood cell count in pleural fluid and neoplastic effusion had a limited effect on changes in the pH of samples from our patients during the first 2 hours following thoracentesis.