Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Interpreting pleural fluid results
Rachel M Mercer1, John P Corcoran2, Jose M Porcel3
1University of Oxford, Oxford, UK and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK rachel.mercer@nhs.net.
Abstract:
Interpreting pleural fluid results correctly requires an awareness of the possible aetiologies of a pleural effusion and an understanding of the reliability of the outcome of each investigation. All results must be interpreted within each different clinical context and knowledge of the pitfalls for each test is necessary when the diagnosis is unclear. This review aims to discuss the common aetiologies of a pleural effusion and some of the pitfalls in interpretation that can occur when the diagnosis is unclear.
Related Concept Videos
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
Interpreting R Charts
An R chart plots the range of subsets of measurements collected from a process. Each point on the chart represents the range—defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum...
Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Interpreting Run Charts
Mass Spectrum: Interpretation

