Friday, May 22, 2015

Q: Why it is important to avoid the syringe used to anesthetize the thoracentesis site, to collect pleural fluid?


Answer: 3 things which may significantly effect the PH and consequently diagnosis are
  • air,
  •  lidocaine, and
  • heparin
The syringe used to anesthetize the thoracentesis site should not be used to collect pleural fluid because even a small volume of residual lidocaine will affect pH. 

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