Thoracentesis

Alternative names:

pleural fluid aspiration; pleural tap

How the test is performed:

The thoracic wall is punctured by a needle and fluid is aspirated and analyzed in the laboratory (pleural fluid analysis).

How to prepare for the test:

Do not cough, breathe deeply, or move during the test to avoid injury to the lung. A chest X-ray may be performed before and/or after the test.

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:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

You will be positioned sitting on the edge of a chair or bed with your head and arms resting on a table. The skin around the insertion 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 pocket of fluid. There will be a stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is injected, and a sensation of pressure when the needle is inserted into the pleural space. Inform your health care provider if you develop shortness of breath.

Why the test is performed:

The test is performed to determine the cause of the fluid accumulation or to relieve the symptoms associated with the fluid accumulation.