DefinitionAspiration is a procedure where fluid is suctioned out of a body cavity with a device called an aspirator. The aspirator is often a needle and syringe but can also be a siphon, rubber tubing, rubber bulb, or pump. An abnormal amount of fluid can sometimes collect in a place where it should not such as the chest cavity. Abnormal fluid collection often signals an underlying illness. Part of the treatment for the underlying illness may include removal of the collected fluid (aspiration). Depending on the location of the fluid, aspiration has different names. For example, removal of fluid from the chest cavity is called thoracentesis and removal from the joints is called arthrocentesis. Aspiration may also be used to diagnose an illness. For example, several diseases (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis, bleeding in the brain [brain hemorrhage], or poliomyelitis) can result in changes in the normal composition of the fluid within the spinal column (cerebrospinal fluid). If one of these diseases is suspected, aspiration of the cerebrospinal fluid may be performed and the fluid analyzed in the laboratory. Aspiration of fluid is commonly performed to check for the presence of bacteria that signals an underlying infection.Source: Medical Disability AdvisorReason for ProcedureAspiration is performed to remove an abnormal collection of fluid in treating a condition or to remove a sample of fluid or tissue for examination. Accumulations of fluid in the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, joint spaces, or soft tissues are commonly aspirated for diagnosis or treatment. This fluid may be an excess of normal fluid or an abnormal fluid (pus, inflammatory fluid, blood) that needs to be removed. In some cases, normally present fluid such as spinal fluid or tissue such as bone marrow is aspirated so a sample can be collected for evaluation and is often done when attempting to diagnose an illness.Source: Medical Disability AdvisorHow Procedure is PerformedThe specifics of the procedure vary depending on the site of aspiration. In general, the skin over the site of aspiration is sterilized usually with a liquid iodine solution. A local anesthetic is then injected into the skin. The suctioning device (aspirator) is inserted into the fluid or tissue being collected. Using suction, the aspirator removes the desired amount of fluid or tissue that is collected in a sterile receptacle. The aspirator is removed and a bandage or other sterile dressing placed over the entry site. Aspiration is usually an outpatient procedure unless the underlying condition is severe enough to warrant hospitalization.Source: Medical Disability AdvisorPrognosisAspiration is a very effective method for obtaining fluid samples and/or draining abnormally collected fluid from a body cavity. Full recovery following this procedure is expected. The prognosis for the underlying condition varies.Source: Medical Disability AdvisorComplicationsComplications may vary depending on the site of aspiration but in general include bruising at the insertion point, bleeding, and infection. Aspirations of the chest cavity can be associated with a collapsed lung. Aspirations of the abdominal cavity rarely result in injury to the intestines or other organs.Source: Medical Disability AdvisorReturn to Work (Restrictions / Accommodations)Restrictions and accommodations are not associated with this procedure.Source: Medical Disability AdvisorGeneral ReferencesFortunato Phillips, Nancymarie. Berry and Kohn's Operating Room Technique. 9th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, Inc., 2000.Moore, Gerald F. "Arthrocentesis Technique and Intraarticular Therapy." Arthritis and Allied Conditions. Ed. William J. Koopman. 14th ed. 1 vols. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2001. 848-859.Source: Medical Disability Advisor
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
Moore, Gerald F. "Arthrocentesis Technique and Intraarticular Therapy." Arthritis and Allied Conditions. Ed. William J. Koopman. 14th ed. 1 vols. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2001. 848-859.