What do the results mean?Your results can show whether you have a transudate or exudate type of pleural effusion. Transudate pleural effusions are most often caused by heart failure or cirrhosis. Exudate effusions may be caused by a number of different diseases and conditions. Once the type of pleural effusion has been determined, your provider will likely order more tests to make a specific diagnosis.If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
