Body Fluids and Urinalysis

SAAG separates portal hypertension from everything else

A memory aid for the serum ascites albumin gradient and ascitic tap.

Cells, protein, glucose and appearance distinguish the meningitides

A memory aid for interpreting a lumbar puncture result.

A halo ring on gauze or sheet, CSF mixed with blood, a telltale feat

Mnemonic for testing suspected cerebrospinal fluid leak from the nose.

Exudate or transudate first, then the specific tests

A memory aid for Light's criteria and the pleural fluid tests.

Urine hCG for the question, serum hCG for the trend

A memory aid for interpreting human chorionic gonadotrophin.

Appearance, cell count, crystals and Gram stain

A memory aid for interpreting a joint aspirate.

Spot ratios have replaced timed collections for most purposes

A memory aid for when a timed collection is needed and when a spot ratio suffices.

Blood, protein, leucocytes, nitrites, glucose and ketones

A memory aid for reading a urine dipstick and microscopy.