Paracentesis

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Use of blood thinners (anticoagulants) or ASA, which can increase the chance of bleeding.
• Having blood, bile, urine, or feces in the fluid sample.
• You cannot stay still during the test.
• Being obese.
• Having scars inside the belly (adhesions) from any belly surgery in the past.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 23, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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