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| Definition: |
Skin lesion aspiration is the withdrawal of fluid from a skin lesion (sore).
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| How the test is performed: |
| A needle is inserted into a skin lesion or skin abscess, which may contain fluid or pus. The fluid may be examined under the microscope or placed in culture media to observe for the growth of microorganisms. |
| How to prepare for the test: |
Adults:
There is no special preparation.
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: |
| If the abscess is deep, a local anesthetic may be injected into the skin to numb the area. There will be a pricking sensation as the needle enters the skin. In many cases, the removal of fluid will decrease the pressure within the tense, irritated lesion and relieve the pain. |
| Why the test is performed: |
| This test is used to help determine the cause of a fluid-filled skin lesion. It can be used to diagnose skin infections. |
| What abnormal results mean: |
| The results may indicate a bacterial or fungal skin infection. |
| What the risks are: |
| There is a slight risk of bleeding or infection. |
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Review Date: 7/28/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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