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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

In Reply: For reasons similar to those outlined by Dr De Gottardi, we chose to resolve the clinical scenario with the diagnostic test that had a high positive likelihood ratio and is recommended by current guidelines,¹ the PMN count. Our article focused on the diagnostic accuracy of white blood cell count, PMN count, pH, and pH gradient. Although several studies have examined the accuracy of reagent strips to detect PMN count in ascitic fluid, they lacked standardization—different manufacturers, different numbers of grading scales, and different cut-offs for each grade.^2-3 The assessment of reagent strips and several other less commonly reported tests of ascites such as lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose that have been studied in SBP^4-6 were beyond the focus of our review. We agree with De Gottardi that reagent strips may be an economical, timely, and feasible tool for the clinician that should be subject to systematic review of . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Camilla L. Wong, MD, FRCPC
Division of Geriatrics
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada

Jayna M. Holroyd-Leduc, MD, FRCPC; Sharon E. Straus, MD, MSc, FRCPC
sharon.straus@utoronto.ca
Division of General Internal Medicine
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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