Definition and Etiology. Ascites is defined as the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It is a common clinical finding, with various extraperitoneal and peritoneal causes (Box 1), but it most often results from liver cirrhosis.
Tests for the detection of Bence-Jones Protein. Bradshaw Test. The urine specimen is treated with 1 or 2 drops of 33 per cent acetic acid to bring the pH down to 4.8 to 5.0, centrifuged clear, and diluted 1:1 with water. The diluted urine is layered carefully over concentrated HCl in a test tube.
The accuracy of this test depends on having urine that is slightly acidic. Dipsticks can detect protein concentrations as low as 5 to 30 mg/dL. Urine protein concentrations are reported as 30, 100, 300, or 2000 mg/dL. This test is optimized to detect albumin and is less sensitive in detecting globulins.