Abdominal tap (paracentesis)

Alternative names:

paracentesis; peritoneal tap

Normal values:

There is little or no fluid in the abdomen.

What abnormal results mean:

The presence of a bloody fluid after an injury suggests internal loss of blood. Other findings may indicate an infection; a tumor (cancerous and noncancerous); appendicitis; cirrhosis of the liver; a disease of the pancreas, kidneys, or heart; and a damaged bowel.