Pulmonologists may perform a ______ or pleural biopsy to obtain samples for analysis.

Pulmonologists may perform a ______ or pleural biopsy to obtain samples for analysis.

• A. Thoracentesis
• B. Bronchoscopy
• C. Laryngoscopy
• D. Thoracotomy

Answer: (A)

To obtain samples from the pleural space for analysis, the typical first-line procedure is thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle or catheter to withdraw pleural fluid, usually at the bedside with ultrasound guidance. The fluid is then analyzed for infection, chemistry, and especially cytology to look for malignancy, tuberculosis, or other causes of pleural effusion. Thoracentesis is less invasive than a pleural biopsy or open surgery, which would be considered if the fluid analysis is nondiagnostic or a tissue sample is specifically needed. Bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy sample airway or laryngeal tissues, not pleural fluid, and thoracotomy is an invasive surgical approach used when more extensive tissue sampling is required.

To obtain samples from the pleural space for analysis, the typical first-line procedure is thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle or catheter to withdraw pleural fluid, usually at the bedside with ultrasound guidance. The fluid is then analyzed for infection, chemistry, and especially cytology to look for malignancy, tuberculosis, or other causes of pleural effusion. Thoracentesis is less invasive than a pleural biopsy or open surgery, which would be considered if the fluid analysis is nondiagnostic or a tissue sample is specifically needed. Bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy sample airway or laryngeal tissues, not pleural fluid, and thoracotomy is an invasive surgical approach used when more extensive tissue sampling is required.