Transudate vs. Exudate
(Last Updated - 11/24/2006)
-Features Of An Exudate:
-Fluid Protein : Serum Protein Ratio > 0.5
-Fluid LDH : Serum LDH Ratio > 0.6
-Fluid LDH > 2/3 Normal Serum LDH
***If one of the above satisfied then likely exudate, if none then transudate***
-Spec Grav > 1.016
-Protein > 3.0 g/dL
-LDH > 200 U/L
-Normal Pleural Fluid pH: 7.6
-NFC:
< 5,000 --> Chronic Exudate (Malignancy or Tuberculous Pleurisy)
> 10,000 --> Exudative Infectious Process (Bacterial Pneumonia)
> 50,000 --> Empyema Likely
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