Medically reviewed by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD, Interventional Radiology. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Thoracentesis?
A pulmonologist, a lung doctor, often performs a thoracentesis. A health care provider will likely use ultrasound to find the best spot to insert the needle. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs and the wall of the chest. The lining is called the pleura, and the space is called the pleural space. Normally, very little fluid is in the pleural space. The procedure is also called a pleural tap or pleural fluid aspiration.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A buildup of too much fluid between the layers of the pleura is called a pleural effusion. Thoracentesis is done to find the cause of the extra fluid and to relieve symptoms from the buildup. It may also be done when there is a lot of fluid causing chest pressure or a low oxygen level. Removing the fluid lets the lung expand, which makes breathing easier.
Testing the fluid helps your provider find the cause. Possible causes include the following.
- Heart failure.
- Liver failure.
- Kidney disease.
- Pneumonia.
- Lung cancer.
- Cancer that has spread from another place.
- Chest injury or chest surgery.
- Reactions to medicines.
How to prepare
No special preparation is needed before the test. A chest x-ray or ultrasound will be done before and after the test.
What happens during it
The test is done in the following way.
- You sit on a bed or on the edge of a chair or bed, with your head and arms resting on a table.
- The skin around the site is cleaned, and a local numbing medicine is injected into the skin.
- A needle is placed through the skin and muscles of the chest wall into the pleural space.
- You may be asked to hold your breath or breathe out.
- You should not cough, breathe deeply, or move during the test, to avoid injury to the lung.
- Fluid is drawn out with the needle, or a temporary tube (catheter) is placed so the fluid can be removed.
- The needle or catheter is removed and the area is bandaged.
- The fluid may be sent to a laboratory for testing, called pleural fluid analysis.
Recovery
A chest x-ray or ultrasound is usually done after thoracentesis to check for injury to the lung.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Risks may include the following.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
- Respiratory distress, a breathing problem.
Air in the chest cavity, called pneumothorax, can happen after the fluid is drained.
Who performs it
A pulmonologist, a lung doctor, often performs a thoracentesis. A health care provider places the needle through the skin and muscles of the chest wall into the pleural space.
Common questions
Does thoracentesis hurt?
Yes, you may feel some pain or pressure. You will feel a stinging sensation when the local numbing medicine is injected, and you may feel pain or pressure when the needle goes into the pleural space.
Can I cough or move during thoracentesis?
No, you should not cough, breathe deeply, or move during the test. This helps avoid injury to the lung.
What happens to the fluid that is removed?
The fluid may be sent to a laboratory for testing, called pleural fluid analysis. Testing the fluid helps your provider find the cause of the pleural effusion. If your provider suspects an infection, a culture of the fluid may be done to test for bacteria and other germs.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
