transudative ascites /transyo̅o̅″dətiv/ , an abnormal accumulation in the peritoneal cavity of a fluid that characteristically contains scant amounts of protein and cells. Ascitic fluids with protein levels of less than 2.5 g/mL are considered to be transudates. Transudative ascites is indicative of cirrhosis or congestive heart failure rather than infection, inflammation, or a tumor.
