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Pleural fluid analysis is a test that examines a sample of fluid that has collected in the pleural space. This is the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the wall of the chest. When fluid collects in the pleural space, the condition is called pleural effusion.
The outer pleural layer is known as the parietal pleura and lines the inside of the chest cavity around the lung. The inner pleural layer is attached to the lungs and is known as the visceral pleura.The pleural cavity is the space between the two pleural layers and it contains approximately 10 to 20ml of thin serous fluid known as the pleural fluid.owever, the pain may radiate or refer to surrounding areas. 1  If the parietal pleura lying in the area of the upper six ribs is inflamed, it causes localized pain (upper chest pain). 2  When the pleura behind the lower ribs and outer parts of the diaphragm are inflamed, the pain may be referred to the upper abdomen.