Fluid Aspiration Procedure: Syringe & Needle Technique (Paracentesis/Thoracentesis)

Indications

• Diagnostic: analyze fluid (cell count, culture, cytology, biochemistry)
• Therapeutic: relieve symptoms from large effusions

Common Sites

• Pleural space (thoracentesis)
• Peritoneal cavity (paracentesis)
• Joint space (arthrocentesis)
• Pericardial sac (pericardiocentesis)

General Steps

1. Sterile preparation: equipment, site, anesthesia.
2. Imaging guidance (ultrasound) preferred for localization.
3. Needle/catheter insertion into fluid collection.
4. Aspirate with syringe; collect specimens.
5. Remove needle; apply pressure, dressing.
6. Send fluid for lab analysis.
7. Monitor for complications (pneumothorax, bleeding, infection).

Must be performed by trained clinicians using sterile technique.