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Skin lesion aspiration How the Test is Performed:
A needle is inserted into a skin lesion or skin abscess , which may contain fluid or pus. The fluid is examined under the microscope and placed in culture media to observe for the growth of microorganisms.
How to Prepare:
Adults:
There is no special preparation.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How it Feels:
If the abscess is deep, a local anesthetic may be injected into the skin to numb the area. There will be a pricking sensation as the needle enters the skin.
Risks:
There is a slight risk of bleeding or infection.
Why this Test is Performed:
This test is used to help determine the cause of a fluid-filled skin lesion . It can be used to diagnose skin infections.
Normal Values:
No microorganism growth is normal.
Abnormal Results:
The results may indicate a bacterial infection such as staphylococcus aureus (see boils ) or gonorrhea or a fungal infection such as blastomyces (see blastomycosis - skin lesion ).
Cost:
The estimated cost is $47.
Special Considerations:
Not applicable.
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