Culdocentesis

During a culdocentesis a long thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall just below the uterus and a sample is taken of the fluid within the abdominal cavity.

Update Date: 2/21/2011

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine.

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