Skin lesion aspiration

The health care provider inserts a needle into the skin sore or skin abscess , which may contain fluid or pus. Fluid from the sore or abscess is withdrawn. The fluid may be examined under a microscope. A sample of the fluid may also be sent to a lab. There, it is put in a lab dish or other container that contains…

You do not need to prepare for this test.

You may feel a pricking sensation as the needle enters the skin. In many cases, removing the fluid will lessen pressure within the skin sore and ease pain.

This test is used to find the cause of a fluid-filled skin lesion. It can be used to diagnose skin infections or cancers.

Abnormal results may be a sign of infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Cancer cells may also be seen.

There is a small risk of bleeding, mild pain, or infection.

Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Biopsy, site-specific - specimen. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures . 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:199-202. Marks JG, Miller JJ. Dermatologic therapy and procedures. In: Marks JG, Miller JJ, eds. Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of…