A 35-year-old man presents with a stab wound to the left lower chest. He is hemodynamically stable. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) is performed. Which finding on DPL indicates a positive result requiring laparotomy?
- A RBC count >10,000/mm³
- B RBC count >100,000/mm³ ✓
- C WBC count >500/mm³
- D Amylase >100 IU/L
Correct answer: B. RBC count >100,000/mm³
Explanation
For penetrating trauma, DPL is positive if RBC count exceeds 100,000/mm³. In blunt trauma, the threshold is also typically 100,000/mm³ for RBCs. B lower threshold of 10,000/mm³ is used for penetrating thoracic/abdominal wounds in some protocols. WBC >500/mm³ and elevated amylase are secondary criteria. DPL has largely been replaced by FAST and CT in stable patients but remains relevant in resource-limited settings.
Reference: Trauma by Mattox, Moore, and Feliciano, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.