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Why do doctors tap on your stomach?

Normally, the abdominal cavity contains only a small amount of fluid. In certain conditions, large amounts of fluid can build up in this space. An abdominal tap can help diagnose the cause of fluid buildup or the presence of an infection. It may also be done to remove a large amount of fluid to reduce belly pain.

ucsfhealth.org - Abdominal tap - UCSF Health

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Definition

An abdominal tap is used to remove fluid from the area between the belly wall and the spine. This space is called the abdominal cavity.

Alternative Names

Peritoneal tap; Paracentesis; Ascites - abdominal tap; Cirrhosis - abdominal tap; Malignant ascites - abdominal tap

How the Test is Performed

This test may be done in a health care provider's office, treatment room, or hospital. The puncture site will be cleaned and shaved, if necessary. You then receive a local numbing medicine. The tap needle is inserted 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) into the abdomen. Sometimes, a small cut is made to help insert the needle. The fluid is pulled out into a syringe. The needle is removed. A dressing is placed on the puncture site. If a cut was made, one or two stitches may be used to close it. Sometimes, ultrasound is used to guide the needle. An ultrasound uses sound waves to make the image and not x-rays. It does not hurt.

There are 2 kinds of abdominal taps:

Diagnostic tap -- A small amount of fluid is taken and sent to the laboratory for testing. Large volume tap -- Several liters may be removed to relieve abdominal pain and fluid buildup.

How to Prepare for the Test

Let your provider know if you:

Have any allergies to medicines or numbing medicine

Are taking any medicines (including herbal remedies)

Have any bleeding problems

Might be pregnant

How the Test will Feel

You may feel a slight sting from the numbing medicine, or pressure as the needle is inserted. If a large amount of fluid is taken out, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Tell the provider if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Why the Test is Performed

Normal Results

Normally, there should be little or no fluid in the abdominal space.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An exam of abdominal fluid may show:

Cancer that has spread to the abdominal cavity ( most often cancer of the ovaries )

) Cirrhosis of the liver

Damaged bowel

Heart disease

Infection

Kidney disease

Pancreatic disease

Risks

There is a slight chance that the needle could puncture the bowel, bladder, or a blood vessel in the abdomen. If a large quantity of fluid is removed, there is a slight risk of lowered blood pressure and kidney problems. There is also a slight chance of infection.

References

Alarcon LH. Paracentesis and diagnostic peritoneal lavage. In: Vincent J-L, Abraham E, Moore FA, Kochanek PM, Fink MP, eds. Textbook of Critical Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap E10. Garcia-Tiso G. Cirrhosis and its sequelae. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 153. Mole DJ. Practical procedures and patient investigation. In: Garden JO, Parks RW, eds. Principles and Practice of Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 8. Runyon BA. Ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 93.

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What is the 5 2 1 0 rule?

5 - Enjoy five or more vegetables and fruits every day. 2 - Limit screen time to no more than two hours a day. 1 - Play actively for at least one hour a day. 0 - Drink zero sugary drinks.

bcchildrens.ca - Live 5-2-1-0 - BC Children's Hospital

Live 5-2-1-0 is a simple, easy-to-remember message to help kids and families adopt healthy habits.

Page Content

We know that a consistent message that is supported by a healthy community environment is important. By working together with communities, Live 5-2-1-0 helps build partnerships and opportunities to create healthy environments where kids can eat well and be active every day.

What is Live 5-2-1-0?

Live 5-2-1-0 provides four simple guidelines for raising healthy children:

5 - Enjoy five or more vegetables and fruits every day

2 - Limit screen time to no more than two hours a day

1 - Play actively for at least one hour a day

0 - Drink zero sugary drinks

How do you Live 5-2-1-0?

Watch our 'Just one thing' video below to find out how you can change one thing – as a family or a community leader – to help kids choose healthy.

More information

Visit the Live 5-2-1-0 website to learn more about the program and access free resources to help you, your family and your community Live 5-2-1-0 every day. Live 5-2-1-0 is an initiative of BC Children’s Hospital, led by the SCOPE Team. It is supported by the Canadian Institute for Health Research and Healthy Families BC. The program was launched in 2009 with support from Child Health BC, the Childhood Obesity Foundation, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

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