Difference between exudate and transudate.

Pathological processes occurring in the body can lead to the accumulation of fluid. Her fence and research are of great importance at the diagnostic stage. The goal here is to find out what the extracted material is - exudate or transudate. The results of such an analysis make it possible to identify the nature of the disease and choose the correct treatment tactics.

Definition

Exudate is a liquid, the origin of which is associated with ongoing inflammatory processes.

Transudate is an effusion that occurs for reasons other than inflammation.

Comparison

Thus, having determined the type of liquid, important conclusions can be drawn. After all, if punctate (material extracted from the body) is an exudate, then inflammation occurs. This process is accompanied, for example, by rheumatism or tuberculosis. Transudate, on the other hand, indicates circulatory disorders, metabolic problems and other abnormalities. Inflammation is excluded here. This fluid collects in cavities and tissues, for example, in heart failure and some liver diseases.

It must be said that the difference between exudate and transudate is not always present in appearance. Both can be transparent and have a yellowish tint. However, the exudate often has a different color, and is also cloudy. There are quite a few variations of this liquid. The serous variety is especially close in its characteristics to the transudate. Other samples are more specific. For example, purulent exudate is viscous and greenish, hemorrhagic - with a red tint due to a large number of red blood cells, chyle - contains fat and, when visually assessed, resembles milk.

When comparing the density of exudate and transudate, its lower parameters are noted in punctate of the second type. The main distinguishing criterion is the protein content in liquids. As a rule, the exudate is very saturated with them, and the amount of this substance in the transudate is small. The Rivalta test helps to obtain information on the protein component. Drops of the test material are added to the container with the vinegar composition. If, falling, they turn into a cloudy cloud, then we are dealing with exudate. The biological fluid of the second type does not give such a reaction.

More detailed information about the difference between exudate and transudate is reflected in the table:

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