How Performed: A needle is inserted into a skin lesion or skin abscess, which may contain fluid or pus. The fluid may be examined under the microscope or placed in culture media to observe for the growth of microorganisms.

How To Prepare: Adults:
There is no special preparation.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child’s age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child’s age:

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How It Feels: If the abscess is deep, a local anesthetic may be injected into the skin to numb the area. There will be a pricking sensation as the needle enters the skin. In many cases, the removal of fluid will decrease the pressure within the tense, irritated lesion and relieve the pain.

Risks: There is a slight risk of bleeding or infection.

Why Performed: This test is used to help determine the cause of a fluid-filled skin lesion. It can be used to diagnose skin infections.

Normal Values:

Abnormal Results: The results may indicate a bacterial or fungal skin infection.

Cost:

Special Considerations: