Thoracentesis
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Introduction
Aspiration of pleural fluid is best done posterior, in line with scapular spine.
Landmark with X-ray.
Detect pleural fluid with tactile fremitus
Loculated effusion requires CT.
Use copious anesthetic
use a 25 gauge needle and look for fluid.
Send for cell count, cytology, culture, glucose, and LDH.
Indications
Contraindications
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Topic Development
created: DLP, Aug 09
authors: DLP, Aug 09
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