How to Do a Fine-Needle Aspiration
- 1). Have the patient recline in a position that allows for easy access to the area where the nodule is located. Rub the area lightly with your fingertips to determine the precise location of the nodule. Wipe the area thoroughly with an alcohol pad or antiseptic solution. Injections of a local anesthetic may be necessary if the patient is extremely anxious about having the procedure performed. A local anesthetic will be as painful as the needle prick during the aspiration, however, so it's rarely recommended.
- 2). Hold the nodule motionless with your non-dominant hand. Use a syringe with a 25-gauge needle that's 1-/12 inches long. Gently ease the needle through the skin and into the nodule. Ask the patient not to breathe for a few seconds while the fluid inside the nodule is being extracted.
- 3). Move the needle around with a rocking motion inside the nodule to remove as much of the fluid as possible. Withdraw the needle and put pressure over the opening to prevent bleeding. Repeat the entire process until the nodule is no longer present or enough fluid and tissue has been collected to be a good sample.
- 4). Apply pressure to the site for several minutes after the final needle stick is finished. This will reduce swelling and bleeding. Cover the wound with a gauze pad and tape.
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