Procedures Flashcards
Needle gauge for arthrocentesis
25-27 for anesthetic, then 18-22 for aspiration
What to send joint aspirate for?
- cell count with differential
- crystals
- gram stain
- culture
*protein, glucose, LDH no longer recommended
LP Landmarks (Adults)
L2-L3 to L5-S1
PSI Crests are @ L4
LP Landmarks (Infants)
Cord goes to L3
L4-L5 or L5-S1
LP Needle gauge + length
Adult: 3.5” 20G
Child: 2.5” 22G
Infant: 1.5” 22G
LP Tubes
Tube 1: Gramm Stain, C&S +- cell count
Tube 2: Glucose, Protein
Tube 3: Cell count + Diff
Tube 4: HSV/CMV/EBV PCR, Special tests +- cell count +- xanthochromia +- West Nile
LP Normal opening pressures
7-20 cm H20
25 cm in obese patients
28 cm in patients <18
LP Bacterial vs. viral CSF
Bacterial
High Opening Pressure
WBC 500-10, 000
Differential: PMN predominance
Glucose: decreased at 0-40 mg/dL
Protein: elevated at >50 mg/dL
Viral
Normal opening pressure
WBC 6-1000
Lymphocytic predominance
Normal Glucose
Protein normal or mildly elevated
LP Neurosyphilis Testing
**CSF VDRL: **60% sens., very specific
**FTA-ABS CSF: **++ sensitive, ~95% specific
Bartholin’s Drainage
Povidone-iodine
Lidocaine
Elliptical incision
Culture (+ GC/CT PCR)
Word 2-4 mL saline
Leave up to 4 weeks
or pack with gauze
Start sitz in 2 days
Keflex + Flagyl (or Flagyl + STD treatment) if abx desired
Gyne within 2 days to 1 week
Landmarks for Paracentesis
1) Infraumbilical in the midline through linea alba
2) Lateral rectus - 5 cm cephalad and 5 cm medial to ASIS
How much fluid to remove on paracentesis?
As much as possible without manipulation of the patient.
For first time ascites for diagnostic purposes, probably 200-500 mL
For therapeutic relief, at least 5-6 L, but up to 10-12 L safely.
Anything over 5 L is called Large Volume Paracentesis (LVP)
When to give albumin (and how much) for paracentesis?
For LVP > 5 L, 25% Albumin, 6-8 g albumin/L removed (100 mL 25% Albumin has 25 g Albumin). Don’t bother for taps <5 L, no evidence for albumin at any level anyways.
When to send out paracentesis fluid and what to send it for?
Only send if diagnostic tap, symptoms, or cloudy.
Send for:
Cell count, albumin (+ serum albumin for SAAG), culture (in blood culture bottles), +- total protein, glucose, LDH, amylase, gram stain.
Lab Cutoffs for Peritonitis
- >250 PMN’s/mm^3 (TNC x %PMN’s) in non-PD
- >100 PMN’s/mm^3 (TNC x %PMN’s) in peritoneal dialysis patients