Reference Values

Ratio of pleural to serum LD ≥ 0.6 is indicative of exudate and <0.6 of transudates.

Ratio of peritoneal to serum LD ≥ 0.6 is indicative of exudate and <0.6 of transudates.

Ratio of pericardial to serum LD ≥ 0.6 is indicative of exudates and transudates <0.6.

Literature References:

Balfe, Alan et al. The Biochemistry of Body Fluids. Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland. 1-35. October 2009.

Block, Darci R. Tietz Textbook of clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnositics. Elsevier Sixth Edition 2017. Body Fluids Abstract p. 925

Yataco, Jose C, Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. Pleural effusions: Evaluation and Management. October 2005. Volume 72, Number 10.