How is ascites assessed?

Serum Albumin Ascites Gradient (SAAG) It correlates w/portal HTN, accurate indirect index of portal pressure, not diagnostic of cirrhosis but indicates HTN. Classifications are high gradient (>1.1 g/dl, indicates cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, cardiac arrest, mixed ascites, portal vein thrombosis, Budd-Chiari syndrome and veno-occlusive disease) Low gradient (<1.1 g/dl, indicates peritoneal malignancy, TB peritonitis, pancreatic ascites, bowel obstruction, bowel infarction, nephrotic syndrome or serositis)