Table 3. Example of recommended reporting format for test results.

Test/Analyte	Result	Unit	Decision limits/Interpretation
(PF) Appearance		/	Transudates are clear, light yellow, odourless, nonviscous. Exudates are cloudy, turbid, milky, bloody, with clotting tendency
PF/serum protein ratio		/	Exudative effusions meet at least one the following criteria: 1. pleural fluid/serum protein ratio > 0.5; 2. pleural fluid/serum LD ratio > 0.6 3. absolute pleural fluid LD activity > 2/3 of serum URL.
PF/serum LD ratio		/
(PF) LD		U/L
Albumin gradient		g/L	Transudates have an albumin gradient > 12 g/L, while exudates have an albumin gradient ≤ 12 g/L.
PF cholesterol		mmol/L	Exudates have a cholesterol >1.2 mmol/L.
PF/serum cholesterol ratio		/	Exudates have a PF/serum cholesterol ratio > 0.3.
Comment: (e.g. “Traumatic tap. The possible interference on test results cannot be ruled out.”) Interpretive comment: (e.g. “The analyses performed suggest the presence of a transudative/exudative effusion.” or “The possible interference of matrix differences cannot be excluded; results should be interpreted in relation to the clinical context.”)
This table represents an exemplary reporting format for tests performed in pleural fluid samples. The template might be customized (and expanded) according to the needs of each individual laboratory, depending on the most prevalent EBF types and tests. PF – pleural fluid. LD – lactate dehydrogenase. URL – upper reference limit.