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CT-Guided Chest Drain Catheter Placement Without Contrast

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A CT-guided procedure used to position a chest drain through the chest wall to remove fluid or air from around the lung.

Quick summary

["This imaging-guided procedure places a chest drain to remove abnormal air or fluid from the pleural space."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
35924-0
Short code
CT Guide Chest Drn+cath place--WO contr
Synonyms
CT Guide Chest Drn+cath place--WO contr
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ct
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

CT-guided chest drain catheter placement is a minimally invasive procedure in which CT images help guide a drainage catheter into the chest. The drain may remove excess fluid or air that has collected in the pleural space, the area surrounding the lung.

Why might I need this test?

This procedure may be recommended for a pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or another buildup of fluid or air that is causing breathing difficulty or symptoms. Your clinician will determine whether drainage is appropriate based on your condition and imaging findings.

How is the test performed?

You may receive local anesthetic to numb the insertion area, and sedation may be offered depending on the circumstances. Under CT guidance, a clinician inserts the catheter through the chest wall and confirms its position using images. The procedure is performed without contrast material.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your care team's instructions about medications, eating, and drinking. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, have bleeding disorders, or take blood thinners, because these factors may affect the procedure and its safety.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CT-guided chest drain placement

Frequently asked questions

Is CT-guided chest drain placement a surgery?
It is generally a minimally invasive procedure rather than open surgery. A catheter is inserted through the chest wall with imaging guidance.
Will I feel pain during the procedure?
The insertion area is usually numbed with local anesthetic, although pressure or brief discomfort may still be felt. Your care team can discuss sedation options and pain management before the procedure.
How long will the chest drain remain in place?
The duration depends on the amount and cause of fluid or air and how quickly your symptoms improve. Your clinician will decide when it is appropriate to remove the drain, often after repeat imaging confirms that the collection has resolved.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy