Thoracentesis is a procedure for removing fluid from the space between the lining of the outer walls of lungs, that is pleura and the chest wall. This is also known as pleural tap and pleural fluid aspiration.
How the Test is Performed?
Small portion of the skin on the back or chest is washed with the sterilizing liquid. A numbing medication is injected into this area or a local anesthesia is given in that area. The needle is placed through the skin of wall of the chest into space surrounding lungs, known as pleural cavity or pleural space. The fluid is collected from the pleural space and is sent to the laboratory for testing.
How to Prepare for Test?
Thoracentesis does not require any special preparation prior to the test. Chest X-ray can be prescribed by the health care provider before and after the test. During the test, do not breathe deeply, cough or move to avoid the lung injury.
How the Test Will Feel?
Patient is asked to sit on the bed or on the edge of the bed or chair. Arms and head rests on the table. The skin around the thoracentesis region is washed or cleaned and the site is draped. Local anesthesia is injected into the skin. The needle is inserted above rib into pleural cavity.
The patient feels a stinging sensation while injecting local anesthesia. Patient feels pressure when needle is inserted into pleural cavity. Chest pain or shortness of breath should be brought into health care provider’s notice.
Why Test is Performed?
Usually, small amounts of fluid is present in the pleural space. Excessive accumulation of the fluid between the pleural layers is known as “pleural effusion”. The test is done to detect the cause of the extra fluid or for relieving the symptoms from developing.
What does Abnormal Results Mean?
Testing fluid helps the doctor to detect the underlying cause of pleural effusion. The following are the possible causes:
- Kidney disease
- Infection
- Heart failure
- Cirrhosis
- Cancer
If the doctor suspects an infection in the patient, fluid culture is done to test bacteria. Test is also done for the following health conditions:
- Thyroid disease
- Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pneumonia
- Pancreatitis
- Hemothorax
- Drug reactions
- Collagen vascular disease
- Asbestos related pleural effusion
Risks of Thoracentesis:
- Respiratory distress
- Pulmonary edema
- Pneumothorax
- Infection
- Fluid buildup
- Bleeding
