Pleural fluid collected in an EDTA tube is primarily analyzed in which department?

Pleural fluid collected in an EDTA tube is primarily analyzed in Hematology because EDTA is an anticoagulant that preserves cell morphology and prevents clotting, which is essential for evaluating the cellular components of the pleural fluid. In Hematology, the analysis typically focuses on examining the white blood cell count, differential, and the presence of any abnormal cells, which can help diagnose conditions such as infections, malignancies, or inflammatory diseases. The composition of the pleural fluid can provide valuable insights into whether the fluid is transudative or exudative, guiding further clinical decision-making.

In contrast, while microbiology can analyze pleural fluid for infections, its primary focus would be on culture and sensitivity testing, and not in the context of an EDTA tube. Pathology usually involves tissue samples for histological evaluation rather than fluid analysis. Chemistry would address the biochemical components of fluids, but in this scenario, the focus is specifically on cellular analysis, making Hematology the most appropriate department for EDTA tube analysis.