Thoracentesis |
| Definition: |
| Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the wall of the chest. Normally, very little fluid is present in this space. An accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura is called a pleural effusion.
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| Alternative Names: |
| Pleural fluid aspiration; Pleural tap |
| How the test is performed: |
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A small area of skin on your chest or back is washed with a sterilizing solution. Some numbing medicine (local anesthetic) is injected in this area. A needle is then placed through the skin of the chest wall into the space around the lungs called the pleural space. Fluid is withdrawn and collected and may be sent to a laboratory for analysis (pleural fluid analysis). |
| How to prepare for the test: |
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No special preparation is needed before the procedure. A chest X-ray is may be performed before and after the test. Do not cough, breathe deeply, or move during the test to avoid injury to the lung. Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
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| How the test will feel: |
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You will be positioned lying in bed or sitting on the edge of a chair or bed with your head and arms resting on a table. The skin around the procedure site is disinfected and the area is draped. A local anesthetic is injected into the skin. The thoracentesis needle is inserted above the rib into the pleural space. There will be a stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is injected, and you may feel a sensation of pressure when the needle is inserted into the pleural space. Inform your health care provider if you develop shortness of breath or chest pain. |
| Why the test is performed: |
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The test is performed to determine the cause of the fluid accumulation or to relieve the symptoms associated with the fluid accumulation. |
| Normal Values: |
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Normally the pleural cavity contains less than 20 milliliters of serous fluid. |
| What abnormal results mean: |
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The analysis of the fluid will indicate possible causes of pleural effusion such as infection, cancer, heart failure, cirrhosis, and kidney disease. If infection is suspected, a culture of the fluid is often done to determine whether microorganisms are present and if so, to identify them. Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include the following: |
| What the risks are: |
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| Special considerations: |
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A chest X-ray is often done after the procedure to detect possible complications. |
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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