Percutaneous needle aspiration under ultrasound guidance (diagnostic or drainage)
Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration in Casablanca
Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration consists of inserting a fine needle into a pocket of fluid or a nodule, following its path on ultrasound, without X-rays. It can drain a bothersome fluid or take a small amount of it for the laboratory. It is done on a doctor's prescription, often after an ultrasound that showed the area involved. The real-time image helps the radiologist place the needle and avoid nearby blood vessels.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Bothersome cyst to be drained, for example a synovial (ganglion) cyst.
- Joint effusion or fluid collection to be analyzed.
- Thyroid nodule to be sampled (fine-needle aspiration cytology).
- Enlarged lymph node, to study its cells.
- Bothersome cyst behind the knee (popliteal cyst).
How the exam is done
Before the procedure, the radiologist explains its purpose and reviews the prescription and your exams. Sitting or lying down depending on the area, you stay still. The radiologist locates the target with the probe, disinfects the skin and protects the probe with a sterile cover.
The radiologist then guides the needle on the screen, after local anesthesia if needed, and draws out the fluid or cells. For a thyroid fine-needle aspiration, you are asked not to swallow or talk during sampling. A dressing completes the procedure. The fluid removed is examined, then sent to the laboratory when your doctor has requested it.
Preparation
- Tell us when you book about any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. Never stop it on your own: the radiologist will tell you whether it needs to be adjusted, together with the doctor who prescribed it.
- Have the blood clotting test done if it has been prescribed for you.
- Wear clothing that easily exposes the area of the aspiration.
Fasting
No fasting in general: if your procedure requires it, the team will tell you when you book.
Contrast injection
No contrast agent is injected.
Contraindications and precautions
- Skin infection at the needle insertion site.
- Known bleeding disorder.
- Allergy to the local anesthetic or the antiseptic.
- Joint prosthesis in the targeted area: tell us before the aspiration.
- Fever on the scheduled day: let the center know, the procedure may be rescheduled.
Documents to bring
- Doctor's prescription
- Ultrasound or other exam that showed the area to be aspirated
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the fluid always analyzed?
Not always. Depending on its appearance and the doctor's request, it is sent to the laboratory to look for cells or an infection; the time it takes depends on the laboratory.
Is needle aspiration painful?
The needle is fine: the sensation is often similar to a blood draw. Local anesthesia may be offered depending on the area.
What should I watch for after the procedure?
See a doctor if fever, redness, bleeding or increasing pain appear in the following days.
Is consent required?
Yes. Before starting, the radiologist informs you of the purpose of the procedure and its risks, and makes sure you agree.
Can I resume my activities after the aspiration?
Most often, yes. Simply go easy on the treated area that same day, especially after a joint aspiration.