Chest ultrasound for fluid (pleural ultrasound)
pleural ultrasound · chest ultrasound · ultrasound for fluid around the lungs · pleural effusion ultrasound
The doctor uses ultrasound to look at the space between the lungs and the chest wall. It shows if there is extra fluid there.
For shortness of breath, after pneumonia, for possible fluid in the chest, before draining fluid, and to check treatment.
⏱ Duration: usually 10 to 20 minutes; the report is usually ready right away
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Prep. Usually none. You can eat and drink as usual.
- Clothing. Comfortable clothes, so you can easily uncover your chest and back.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Chest X-ray or CT and reports, if you have them
- Hospital discharge papers, if you were treated
How it goes
- You usually sit with your arms crossed or on your head
- Gel is put on your back and sides
- The probe is placed between the ribs and moved from bottom to top
- The doctor checks both sides
- Sometimes you are asked to lie on your back or side
What you'll feel
- Cool gel and light pressure between the ribs
- Sitting up straight can be tiring. Say so if it is hard
Afterwards
- You can go home right away
- The report is usually ready right away
- If fluid is found, the doctor will decide if it needs to be drained
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Severe shortness of breath, feeling you cannot get enough air, or chest pain: call emergency services
Common questions
If fluid is found, is it dangerous?
It is a reason to find the cause. Your doctor will say whether it needs to be removed and what other tests to do.
Is this instead of an X-ray?
No. Ultrasound sees fluid well, while X-ray and CT show the lungs themselves. They are often done together.