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
Correct

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The results suggest that the pleural effusion is an exudate rather than a transudate. This is supported by the high specific gravity (above 1.020), high total protein (above 3 g/dl), fluid to serum protein ratio (F:Se protein) of 0.9, and total WBC count above 1000 cells/mcL (μL). The LD/serum LD ratio of 0.8 is not useful in distinguishing between transudates and exudates in this case, as it falls within the overlap range. Therefore, the fluid is classified as an exudate based on the other parameters.

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