Calculates the type of pleural fluid based on a patient's clinical data using Light's criteria. The tool requires inputting specific measurements related to the effusion, such as serum protein levels, LDH levels, and total protein concentrations. By analyzing these quantitative markers, it helps clinicians differentiate between two primary types of fluid accumulation: transudate or exudate. This differentiation is a crucial diagnostic step in managing various respiratory conditions.
Medical professionals use this calculator when they suspect pleural fluid buildup but require further classification to narrow the diagnosis. It assists healthcare providers in determining whether the fluid composition suggests systemic issues, such as heart failure (transudate), or if it points toward local inflammation or infection (exudate).