Pleural fluid is collected through a procedure called thoracentesis. A needle is inserted through the skin and muscles of the chest wall into the pleural space, the area surrounding the lungs. As the fluid drains into a collection bottle, the patient may experience some coughing as their lung re-expands. This is a temporary sensation lasting a few hours.
Understanding Pleural Fluid Collection
Several sources confirm the method of pleural fluid collection. The fluid, which may accumulate due to various conditions leading to pleural effusion, needs to be removed for analysis or therapeutic purposes. This is often performed by a medical professional. The collected sample can then be used for various tests, such as:
- Pleural fluid culture: To check for infections. (https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/pleural-fluid-culture)
- Pleural fluid analysis: To examine the fluid's composition and aid in diagnosis. (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003624.htm, https://www.ucsfhealth.org/medical-tests/pleural-fluid-analysis)
The procedure involves:
- Identifying the pleural effusion: Often detected through chest X-rays or CT scans. (https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to-z/pleural-fluid-sampling-or-thoracentesis-a-to-z)
- Needle insertion: A needle is carefully inserted into the pleural space. (https://www.testing.com/tests/pleural-fluid-testing/, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/thoracentesis-beyond-the-basics/print)
- Fluid drainage: The pleural fluid drains into a collection bottle. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17373-pleural-effusion)
The collected fluid helps determine the cause of the pleural effusion and guides treatment. A provider may choose to remove the fluid using medication or this procedure depending on the situation.
