Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
The board-certified experts at Main Line Health can help develop treatments to control and manage your allergy and asthma symptoms.
Peritoneal Equilibration Test (PET)
What is a peritoneal equilibrium test (PET)?
People with kidney failure who are on peritoneal dialysis (PD), a type of dialysis involving cleansing of the blood without removing it from the body, will undergo a peritoneal equilibration test (PET) within a month or two after starting PD. The goal of the PET is to determine how well the peritoneal membrane, which lines the abdomen and helps filter waste and excess fluids from the body, is working.
How peritoneal equilibration test works and what it shows
During peritoneal dialysis a fluid consisting of sugar (dextrose), salt and other minerals dissolved in water is passed into the abdominal cavity by way of a catheter. The dextrose draws waste and fluids from the blood vessels in the peritoneum and also prevents waste from passing back through. The liquid mix of waste and fluid is then drained out of the abdomen. The entire filling and removal process is called an exchange.
A PET measures:
- How much dextrose your body has absorbed from the fluid
- How much urea and creatinine (waste products) have been absorbed into the fluid
These factors are an indication of how large or small the pores of your peritoneal membrane are and whether you’re a high, average or low “transporter,” which refers to how quickly or slowly your blood is cleansed during peritoneal dialysis. With this understanding your doctor can then determine how many exchanges you’ll need per day, what type of dialysis fluid to use and how long it should “dwell” or remain in your abdomen.
Gender Care Program
We offer streamlined access to a team of medical, surgical, behavioral health and support specialists, in partnership with Main Line Health LGBTQ Inclusive Care for gender-affirming care.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care
Receive inclusive LGBTQ+ medical care at Main Line Health in a compassionate and welcoming space at locations in the Philadelphia region.
Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic doctors at Main Line Health treat simple to complex sports and accident-related injuries as well as the painful effects of many conditions that limit your mobility and cause pain. Find an orthopaedic surgeon near me.
Oral Care
Main Line Health dentists and oral surgeons can help you keep a healthy smile for a lifetime by visiting one of our locations throughout the Philadelphia area.
Trauma and Acute Care
Main Line Health provides life-saving care and urgent support at trauma centers located throughout the Philadelphia region.
Maternity (Obstetrics)
Our board-certified gynecologists are dedicated to serving you at every stage of your life, from adolescence to menopause and beyond. Whether you need treatment for common gynecological issues or advanced therapies and surgical expertise, we're here to provide comprehensive care and support.
Palliative Care
Palliative care at Main Line Health is a service offered to seriously ill hospitalized patients. At the request of the patient's physician, the palliative care team recommends pain and symptom management.