Figure 1.

Algorithm for diagnostic approaches for patients suspected of pleural effusions. *Analysis of pleural fluid includes protein and lactate dehydrogenase of pleural fluids and serum, gross appearance, red blood cell, white blood cell with differential count, pH levels, glucose, amylase, cholesterol, triglyceride, cytology, acid-fast bacilli stain, TB culture, TB-polymerase chain reaction, Gram stain, routine culture, carcinoembryonic antigen and adenosine deaminase of pleural fluids. CHF: congestive heart failure; LC: liver cirrhosis; NT-proBNP: N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide; TB: tuberculosis; CT: computed tomography.