Differentiation of Transudates and Exudates
Urinalysis and Body
Fluids Review 518
TRANSUDATE EXUDATE
Etiology
Type of process
Color
Clarity
Specific gravity
Protein
Fluid-to-serum protein ratio
Glucose
Spontaneous clotting
LD
WBC
Differential
Condition involving membranes within body cavity
(infection, malignancy, inflammation, hemorrhage)
Inflammatory
Yellow, brown, red, green
Cloudy
>1.015
>3 g/dL
>0.5
30 mg or more < than serum level
Yes
>60% of serum
>1,000/μL
Predominantly polys
Systemic disorder affecting fluid filtration
& reabsorption (congestive heart failure,
hypoalbuminemia, cirrhosis). Problem
originating outside body cavity.
Noninflammatory
Colorless
Clear
<1.015
<3 g/dL
<0.5
Equal to serum level
No
<60% of serum
<1,000/μL
Predominantly mononuclears
