Pleural effusion - laboratories in common cause

Clear ultrafiltrate of plasma that originates from the parietal pleura - pH 7.60-7.64 - Protein content less than 2% (1-2 g/dL) - Fewer than 1000 WBCs per cubic millimeter - Glucose content similar to that of plasma - Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) less than 50% of plasma 2. Most common cause - Left heart failure - Pneumonia - Malignancy - Pulmonary embolism - Viral disease Add: Tuberculosis, empyema 3. Case a. Left heart failure - Clear/serous/light yellow - Nucleated cells 50k, neutrophilia - Glucose 1000 IU/L in empyema - pH10% ...