Pericardial Drainage

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are allergic to any medicines, including anesthetics.
• Take medicine to prevent blood clots, including Reference anticoagulants Opens New Window (such as warfarin) or antiplatelets (such as clopidogrel or aspirin).
• Are taking Reference antibiotics Opens New Window.
• Have had bleeding problems.

You may not be able to eat or drink for several hours before the test.

Some blood tests, including those to check for Reference anemia Opens New Window and blood-clotting problems, may be done before the test.

Because this is a test involving your heart, you may have to stay overnight in the hospital to be monitored closely. If a drain is inserted during the test, you may have to stay for several days.

Unless the procedure is being done in an emergency, you will 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?).

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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.