Blood sampling or blood collection method is an essential procedure in modern medicine. The blood can be taken from a vein where it is called venous blood collection or arteries where it is called arterial blood collection. Minute quantities of blood can be taken from various sites by pricking the skin. Purpose of Blood Collection […]
Procedures
Anesthesia Risks in Surgical Patients
Before a patient can be taken up for surgery, he or she is evaluated to know the anesthesia risks or fitness for anesthesia and surgery. Recognition of general medical and specific anesthetic risk factors is very necessary as it facilitates the implementation of preemptive measures and improves patient safety. The specific level of preanesthetic fitness […]
Tepid Water Sponging and Cold Sponging for Fever
Cold sponging and tepid water sponging are the procedures that use the cooling properties of water to bring down the temperature in fever. Apart from the difference in temperature of the water used, both procedures essentially are the same. Cold sponging is not preferred nowadays and tepid sponging is done to control the fever. Both […]
Chest Tube Thoracostomy Indication and Procedure
Chest tube thoracostomy or chest tube insertion is the insertion of a tube called chest tube into the pleural cavity and less commonly in mediastinum. A chest tube is also called chest drain, thoracic catheter, or intercostal drain. It is a flexible plastic tube that is inserted through the chest wall and into the pleural space or mediastinum. Air or fluid in […]
Pleurodesis: Indications and Procedure
Pleurodesis is a medical procedure in which the pleural space is artificially obliterated by creating adhesion of the two pleurae. This prevents the accumulation of either air or liquid in the pleural space. It is mostly done for malignant pleural effusions. It can also be required in some benign effusions. Pleurodesis is just a local […]
Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis, also called thoracocentesis is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall to remove pleural fluid. Read more about Pleural Fluid Analysis, Normal Values and Abnormalities Thoracentesis procedure can be used for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. Therapeutic thoracentesis procedure is used […]
Transudate and Exudate – Causes and Differences
Transudate and exudate are two different types of fluids that are secreted in the body in reaction to different pathologies. Transudates result from an imbalance in oncotic and hydrostatic pressures. These are usually ultrafiltrates of plasma. Exudates are the result of inflammation. These are produced by a variety of inflammatory conditions and often require more […]
Pleural Fluid Analysis, Normal Values and Abnormalities
Pleural fluid analysis involves taking out the fluid out from the pleural cavity [ by a procedure called thoracocentesis, where a needle is placed through the skin on the chest into the pleural space. Pleural fluid is the fluid that is found between the layers of the pleura. Pleura is the membrane lining the lungs. […]
Esophageal manometry Test- Indications and Procedure
Esophageal manometry is a test used to measure the function of the lower esophageal sphincter and the muscles of the esophagus. The manometry test is commonly given to people who have difficulty in swallowing, pain on swallowing, heartburn and chest pain. On swallowing, the food moves down the esophagus and into the stomach with the […]
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology or FNAC
Fine-needle aspiration cytology or FNAC is a diagnostic procedure used to investigate lumps or swellings. In this technique, a thin, hollow needle is inserted into the swelling for sampling of cells and tissue fragments. The material thus obtained is smeared on a glass slide, stained with specific chemicals, and then examined under a microscope. Fine needle aspiration […]