Interpret the following results: • Specimen: pleural effusion on a 45-year-old lung cancer patient:
• Specific gravity = 1.025
• Total protein = 4.5 g/dl
• F:Se protein = 0.9
• Fluid LD/serum LD = 0.8
• Total WBC count = 2,205/mcL (μL)
What is the classification of this fluid?
A) Transudate
B) Exudate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high specific gravity, high protein content, and elevated F:Se protein ratio suggest that this specimen is an exudate. Additionally, the low total WBC count is consistent with a non-inflammatory exudate, which is commonly seen in cancer patients. The fluid LD/serum LD ratio is less useful in this case because it is only slightly elevated, but it can be supportive of an exudate if the ratio is greater than 0.6.

Interpret the Following Results: • Specimen: Pleural Effusion on a 45-Year-Old