| Exudative Stage | Fibrinolytic Stage | Organizing Stage (Empyema) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nonpurulent, not turbid | Nonpurulent, not turbid | Purulent, turbid |
| Fluid consistency | Free-flowing | Loculated | Organized |
| Gram stain and culture results | Negative | Transitional | Positive (before antibiotic treatment) |
| Glucose | >100 mg/dL | <50 mg/dL | <50 mg/dL |
| Protein | <3 g/dL | >3 g/dL | >3 g/dL |
| pH | >7.30 | <7.30 | <7.30 |
| WBCs | Few | PMNs | PMNs |
PMNs, polymorphonuclear neutrophils; WBCs, white blood cells.
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