Table 2 Pleural fluid analysis

pH

7.8

Albumin

14 g/L

Total protein

42 g/L

Lactate dehydrogenase

3570 U/L

Glucose

<1.0 mmol/L

Cytology

Mesothelial cells, macrophages and mixed inflammatory cells. No atypical or malignant cells. No micro-organisms seen

Acid-fast bacilli not detected

Culture

Light growth of Staphylococcus aureus