Small sterile dressing. Description of test You or a close relative will be required to sign a consent form after the procedure has been explained to you. Chest X-rays or ultrasound study may be done before this test to help localize the collection of the fluid. Try to not cough, breathe deeply or move during the test. If you do, it may injure your lung.
Local anesthetic is injected into the skin of the chest close to where pocketed fluid is located.
The procedure does not begin until you are numb. A special thoracentesis needle is inserted into the pocket of fluid. Fluid is withdrawn. The needle is withdrawn. A small adhesive bandage is applied to the puncture site.