The study of body fluids presents challenges to the laboratory.
Analysis involves multiple departments of the
laboratory and specialized knowledge of each type of
body fluid.
Hematology is important in examining the cells
and crystals found, chemical analyses are required to assess
significant physiologic changes in the patient, microbiology
can help detect infectious agents in a nearby body cavity
or membrane, and immunological tests and other miscellaneous
tests can also provide the physician with critical
information. Further consultation with pathology may be
required for the identification of tumor cells and other
abnormal cells.