Changes

===Other Tests===

===Other Tests===

Free abdominal fluid can be collected under ultrasound guidance and submitted for cytological analysis. If fluid cannot be obtained on aspiration, '''diagnostic peritoneal lavage''' can be performed by instilling a small volume (~20 ml/kg) of warmed isotonic crystalloid into the abdomen, agitating the abdomen and then re-aspirating this fluid. Grossly, the fluid may contain vegetable fibres if the gastro-intestinal tract has ruptured or it may be evidently green (indicating the presence of bile) or haemorrhagic. On cytological examination, the sample should be assessed for the presence of neutrophils (and other leucocytes) with intracellular bacteria.

Free abdominal fluid can be collected under ultrasound guidance and submitted for cytological analysis. If fluid cannot be obtained on aspiration, '''diagnostic peritoneal lavage''' can be performed by instilling a small volume (~20 ml/kg) of warmed isotonic crystalloid into the abdomen, agitating the abdomen and then re-aspirating this fluid. Grossly, the fluid may contain vegetable fibres if the gastro-intestinal tract has ruptured or it may be evidently green (indicating the presence of bile) or haemorrhagic. On cytological examination, the sample should be assessed for the presence of neutrophils (and other leucocytes) with intracellular bacteria. If motile organisms are observed when examining your sample microscopically, this is a good indication that you have accidentally taken a sample of intestinal contents.

Further possible tests include:

Further possible tests include: