Vetnews April 2023: Effusion fluid analysis: transudates and exudates

Introduction

Effusions are abnormal fluid accumulations in the pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial body cavities and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are minor, some occur acutely, some are life-threatening, and some are well-tolerated by the patient. Knowing the cause of the effusion is essential for appropriate patient treatment and care. To this end, effusion fluid analysis is an invaluable tool to have in your arsenal. Many effusions will fit into two broad categories: transudates and exudates. These two major fluids types form in vastly different ways; thus, fluid analysis and classification is an important step in the diagnostic work-up of a patient presenting with a body cavity effusion.