Thoracentesis: A Step-by-Step Procedure Guide with Photos




Pleural effusion which needs diagnostic work-up
Symptomatic treatment of a large pleural effusion


Uncooperative patient
Uncorrected bleeding diathesis
Chest wall cellulitis at the site of puncture

Relative contraindications

Bullous disease, e.g. emphysema
Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) mechanical ventilation
Only one functioning lung
Small volume of fluid (less than 1 cm thickness on a lateral decubitus film)

Procedure Step-by-Step

Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain a written informed consent, if possible. Explain the risks, benefits and alternatives (RBA). Benefits may include less SOB, obtaining a diagnosis, and risks may include pneumothorax, bleeding, or even death.

Fig. 1. Get the standard thoracentesis kit. In addition to the kit, you will need two 1-liter vacuum bottles and Bethadine for cleaning the area. Prepare the necessary equipment for the pleural tap.

Fig. 2, 3, 4, 5. Find the anatomical landmarks before you perform the thoracentesis.

Fig. 6, 7. Clean the area with iodine.

Fig. 8, 9. Open the kit and make sure that you know which tube and needle are used for.

Fig. 10, 11. Practice sliding the flexible catheter.

Fig. 12, 13. Prepare for local anesthesia.

Fig. 14, 15. Prepare the area.

Fig. 16, 17, 18. Perform the procedure (under supervision, if you are not certified). Anesthetize the skin and pleura, try to reach the effusion fluid.

Fig. 19, 20. Prepare the flexible catheter.

Fig. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. Pass the flexible catheter over the tap needle into the pleural space and begin aspirating the fluid in the vacuum tubes.

Fig. 26, 27.

Complete the procedure, check for complications - mainly pneumothorax and bleeding. Order a CXR to rule out pneumothorax.

Send the pleural fluid in the 1 L bottle to the laboratory. Compare the pleural fluid to the corresponding blood tests, in order to differentiate between transudate and exudate. If the patient had blood draws this morning, you can order some additional enzymes as AOT (add-on tests), if not already done before the tap.


Pneumothorax (3-30%)
Hypotension due to a vasovagal response
Pulmonary edema due to lung re expansion
Spleen or liver puncture
Air embolism
Introduction of infection

Write a procedure note which documents the following:

Patient consent
Indications for the procedure
Relevant labs, e.g INR/PTT, platelet count
Any complications
Tests ordered


Thoracentesis video from the Loyola University Chicago.
Thoracentesis . The UCSF Hospitalist Handbook.
Thoracentesis video from NEJM, 2006 (paid subscription required).
Diagnostic Approach to Pleural Effusion in Adults. Am Fam Phys, Vol. 73 No. 5, April 1, 2006.
Patient information: Thoracentesis, Medline Plus.
Patient information: Pleural effusion, Medline Plus.
Is Ultrasound-Guided Thoracentesis Safer?, AFP.

Related reading

Thoracentesis Best Practices: Slideshow. Medscape, 2011.



Published: 05/11/2005
Updated: 04/17/2008


  1. very gud presentation.......

  2. My dad is having this done this morning and this was so helpful! Thank you!!

  3. i've had this done. very good presentation!!

  4. thanks. it helped alot.

  5. thank you so much!


  7. Thank you very much it helped lot

  8. thanks for the information.

  9. nice presentation.thank u

  10. Vey well organized. Short and to the point with all the necessary information.

  11. My husband had this procedure done this morning, and I appreciate the information provided here.

  12. very goog!

  13. Very Good presentation for trainee doctors

  14. Augutina Awuni12/12/2014 5:44 AM

    My mum is having this done today. Great information

  15. Thought you guys migh be interested in