Normal red blood cell (RBC) counts in pleural fluid can vary, but generally, they are quite low. According to the provided reference, normal values range from <100 RBC/uL to 100,000 RBC/uL. However, it's crucial to note that higher counts of RBCs might indicate other conditions like transudative effusions.
Here's a breakdown:
- Low End: The reference notes that Noppen described only a few RBCs in normal pleural fluid, with a median of 46 RBC/uL. This indicates that in most cases, the count is very low.
- High End: Transudative effusions may have RBC counts as high as 100,000 RBC/uL, although such a high count wouldn't be considered "normal."
- Clinical Range: Nationally, values are considered normal if they fall within the range of <100 RBC/uL to 100,000 RBC/uL.
Here is a summary in table format:
| Condition | RBC Count (RBC/uL) |
|---|---|
| Normal Pleural Fluid | <100 to 100,000 |
| Transudative Effusion | Up to 100,000 |
It's important to remember that any elevated RBC count in pleural fluid should be investigated further to determine the underlying cause.
