II. Indications
- See Abdominal Trauma
III. Contraindications
- Do not perform peritoneal lavage when exploratory laparoscopy is clearly indicated
- Do not delay inevitable definitive evaluation for tests that will not modify management
- CT Abdomen and Pelvis is preferred in most cases
- Multiple prior abdominal surgeries
- Cirrhosis
- Coagulopathy
- Morbid Obesity
IV. Interpretation: Positive Test
- Initial aspirate with gross blood >5 ml
- Unspun aspirate with >100k RBC or >500 WBC/mm3
- Aspirated lavage fluid with enteric contents (feces, bile, food)
- Lavage fluid exits the Foley Catheter or Chest Tube
