Paracentesis
How To Prepare
Before you have paracentesis done, tell your doctor if you:
- Are taking any medicine.
- Are allergic to any medicines, including numbing medicines (Reference anesthetics Opens New Window).
- Have had bleeding problems or are taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, Reference nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Opens New Window, or warfarin (Coumadin).
- Are or might be pregnant.
Other blood tests may be done before a paracentesis to make sure that you do not have any bleeding or clotting problems. You will empty your bladder before the procedure.
You may be asked to sign a
consent form. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the
need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will
mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the
medical test information form 
(What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference January 17, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
