Pleural fluid analysis


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What the risks are

The risks of thoracentesis are pneumothorax (collapse of the lung), fluid re-accumulation, pulmonary edema, excessive loss of blood, infection, and respiratory distress. Serious complications are uncommon.


Special considerations

The fluid analysis cost and the cost of the procedure to obtain the specimen are charged separately.



Review Date: 02/27/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.


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