About Light's Criteria Calculator
Use Light's criteria to classify pleural effusions as transudative or exudative based on pleural fluid and serum protein and LDH levels. This calculator helps differentiate between transudates (usually due to systemic disease) and exudates (usually due to local pleural disease).
Light's Criteria Results
Clinical Interpretation
- ✓ Transudate: Usually systemic disease (CHF, cirrhosis)
- ✓ Exudate: Usually local pleural disease
- ✓ Consider additional tests if unclear
- ✓ pH <7.20 suggests complicated parapneumonic effusion
- ✓ Glucose <60 mg/dL suggests empyema or malignancy
- ✓ Consider thoracentesis for large effusions