Transudate

Exudate

Causes

Increased hydrostatic pressure (CHF),

Decreased oncotic pressure (Decreased albumin)

Inflammation, cancer

Gross

Watery, clear

Variable, cloudy

Specific Gravity

<1.015

>1.015

Protein

<3 (<2 in ascites)

>3 (>2 in ascites)

Clots

No

Yes

LDH

<200 U/L, (or <0.6)

>200 U/L, (or >0.6)

Cells

Few, usually benign

Many, may be malignant

Reference

• The art and science of cytopathology. Richard M Demay, MD. 1996