Specimen Collection
2 mL Collect
Turnaround Time: Within 3 hours
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation

A chylous effusion contains chyle from the thoracic duct. Chylomicrons contain dietary fat and are produced after meals. The triglyceride (TG) level can distinguish between chylous and non-chylous effusions.

A TG level greater than 1.2 mmol/L indicates a chylous effusion. Note that thoracic duct fluid will only contain chyle if the patient is receiving oral feeds containing fat.

Table: TG levels in effusion fluid (mmol/L)

chylous	median 2.8	range 0.6 to 26
non-chylous	median 0.4	range 0.1 to 1.2

References

Staats, B. A., R. D. Ellefson, et al. (1980). "The lipoprotein profile of chylous and nonchylous pleural effusions." Mayo Clin Proc 55 (11): 700-704.

Contact Information

The chemical pathology team can be reached via email: chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz or via Lablink (09) 307 4949 ext 22000 or 09-3078995

Emails will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist. Include the patients NHI.

After-hours: contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours .

• Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402
• Dr Cam Kyle : CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz ext 22052
• Dr Weldon Chiu : WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
• Dr Campbell Heron : CHeron@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
• Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe Saku.Jayasinghe@adhb.govt.nz
• Dr Owen Yi WenyiYi@adhb.govt.nz

Last updated at 11:42:03 16/01/2026