Idea Exchange: Keep track of body cavity fluid by using a spray bottle

When performing a thoracentesis or abdominocentesis, it is easy to lose track of how many 60-ml syringes of fluid have been removed. To help us keep track, we squirt the body cavity fluid from our syringe directly into an empty 24-oz spray bottle. This bottle has graduated ounce and milliliter marks on it, so we can see how much fluid we have collected when the procedure is complete.

Dr. Robert Nack

Webster Groves, Mo.