Reference Range

Reference range not established for body fluids.

Pericardial protein: "Biochemical analysis of pericardial fluid (pH, total protein, glucose, LD) is of limited clinical value in most cases. Light's criteria, originally established for pleural effusions, have been shown to classify nearly all pericardial fluids as exudates regardless of etiology. (Am J Cardiol. 2007;99(9):1294; Heart. 2020;106(7):541.)

Pleural protein: "Pleural fluid TP/serum TP ratio of greater than 0.5 or pleural fluid total protein level greater than 3.0 g/dL is consistent with exudate. Pleural fluid TP/serum TP ratio of less than or equal to 0.5 or pleural fluid total protein level less than or equal to 3.0 g/dL is consistent with transudate. Using total protein alone misclassifies exudates and transudates in about 30% of cases. Sensitivity and specificity increase to 98% and 80%, respectively, when using both total protein and LD criteria.

Peritoneal protein: "Transudates: < 3.0 g/dL Exudates: => 3.0 g/dL The Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient has been proposed as the more effective test in the differential diagnosis of ascites.

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Corewell Health Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. This test is used for clinical purposes. It should not be regarded as investigational or for research. The reference range and other method performance specifications have not been established for this body fluid. The test result must be integrated into the clinical context for interpretation.”