What is the minimum effluent WBC/TNC count after a 2-hour dwell used to evaluate peritonitis?

What is the minimum effluent WBC/TNC count after a 2-hour dwell used to evaluate peritonitis?

• A. >50
• B. >100
• C. >150
• D. >200

Answer: (B)

Effluent white blood cell count after a standard 2-hour dwell is the key diagnostic marker for peritonitis in PD. A count exceeding 100 cells per microliter, especially when more than half are neutrophils, strongly indicates an infectious process in the peritoneal cavity. The 2-hour dwell standardizes sampling so the sample reflects the peritoneum rather than transient contamination. This threshold provides a practical balance between catching true infections and avoiding overcalling inflammation; higher thresholds would miss some cases, while lower ones would be less specific. Therefore, the minimum effluent WBC count used to evaluate peritonitis is greater than 100 cells per microliter.

Effluent white blood cell count after a standard 2-hour dwell is the key diagnostic marker for peritonitis in PD. A count exceeding 100 cells per microliter, especially when more than half are neutrophils, strongly indicates an infectious process in the peritoneal cavity. The 2-hour dwell standardizes sampling so the sample reflects the peritoneum rather than transient contamination. This threshold provides a practical balance between catching true infections and avoiding overcalling inflammation; higher thresholds would miss some cases, while lower ones would be less specific. Therefore, the minimum effluent WBC count used to evaluate peritonitis is greater than 100 cells per microliter.