💧 Effusion / CSF Interpretation
UseSeparate exudate from transudate, identify portal hypertension and give a first read of CSF; pairs with the L…
SourceLight RW. Pleural effusion criteria; Runyon BA. SAAG in ascites
This-shift next steps
After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.
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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
After diuresis, a serum-fluid albumin gradient > 12 g/L suggests a pseudoexudate.
When to use
Separate exudate from transudate, identify portal hypertension and give a first read of CSF; pairs with the Light and CSF-correction tools.
How it works
Light's exudate (any): fluid/serum protein > 0.5, fluid/serum LDH > 0.6, fluid LDH > ⅔ ULN. SAAG ≥ 11 g/L = portal hypertension.
Key points
- After diuresis, a serum-fluid albumin gradient > 12 g/L suggests a pseudoexudate.
- SAAG ≥ 11 g/L points to portal hypertension.
- Bacterial CSF: neutrophils, high protein, low glucose (CSF/blood < 0.4).
- Correct CSF WBC for a traumatic tap.
References
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| View | Ascites — SAAG |
|---|
→InterpretationAscites SAAG
- SAAG = serum − ascites albumin：≥ 11 g/L (1.1 g/dL): portal hypertension (cirrhosis/HF/Budd-Chiari)
- < 11 g/L：Non-portal-hypertensive: TB / malignancy / pancreatic / nephrotic
- Supplement：Combine with ascites total protein, cell count and culture
| View | Pleural — Light's |
|---|
→InterpretationPleural effusion (Light's criteria)
- Exudate (any one)：Fluid/serum protein > 0.5, fluid/serum LDH > 0.6, fluid LDH > 2/3 of the upper normal limit (see 'Light's criteria')
- Transudate：None met: heart failure / cirrhosis / nephrotic syndrome
- Pseudoexudate：After diuresis → serum-to-fluid albumin gradient > 12 g/L suggests it is really a transudate
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What are the limits and cautions when using Effusion / CSF Interpretation?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- Does Effusion / CSF Interpretation upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
- Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
- How is Effusion / CSF Interpretation calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: View Ascites — SAAG → Result: Interpretation Ascites SAAG（SAAG = serum − ascites albumin: ≥ 11 g/L (1.1 g/dL): portal hypertension (cirrhosis/HF/Budd-Chiari), < 11 g/L: Non-portal-hypertensive: TB / malignancy / pancreatic / nephrotic, Supplement: Combine with ascites total protein, cell count and culture） Inputs: View Pleural — Light's → Result: Interpretation Pleural effusion (Light's criteria)（Exudate (any one): Fluid/serum protein > 0.5, fluid/serum LDH > 0.6, fluid LDH > 2/3 of the upper normal limit (see 'Light's criteria'), Transudate: None met: heart failure / cirrhosis / nephrotic syndrome, Pseudoexudate: After diuresis → serum-to-fluid albumin gradient > 12 g/L suggests it is really a transudate）