CT-Guided Abdominal Drainage Catheter Placement Without Contrast
A CT-guided procedure used to place a drainage catheter into a fluid collection within the abdomen, without using iodinated contrast.
["This procedure uses CT images to safely guide a drain into an abdominal fluid collection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 89613-4
- Short code
- CT Guided Abd Drain+cath place--WO contr
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Abd Drain+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?
This is an image-guided procedure in which a small drainage catheter is placed into a fluid collection in the abdominal area. CT scans help the clinician position the needle and catheter accurately, and no iodinated contrast is used for this procedure.
Why might I need this test?
An abdominal drain may be needed to remove fluid that is collecting because of an infection, inflammation, surgery, bleeding, or another medical condition. The drained fluid may also be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
How is the test performed?
After numbing the skin with a local anesthetic, the clinician uses CT guidance to insert a needle toward the fluid collection. A thin catheter is then placed through the needle, and the needle is removed so the fluid can drain into a collection bag. Some patients may receive sedating medicine, depending on the procedure and local practice.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the care team's instructions about eating, drinking, and medicines. Tell the clinician about blood thinners, medicines that affect bleeding, medication allergies, prior reactions to anesthetic medicines, and any possibility of pregnancy. Additional instructions may be given if sedation or general anesthesia is planned.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Successful drainage can relieve pressure or swelling and allow a clinician to assess the cause of the abdominal fluid collection. If the drained fluid is tested, it may help identify infection, blood, inflammation, or another cause, but the procedure itself does not produce a laboratory value. The CT images and any fluid-analysis results are interpreted separately by the care team.
Short name
CT-guided abdominal drain placement
Frequently asked questions
Is this a blood test or an imaging procedure?
Will I need contrast for this procedure?
What should I expect after the drain is placed?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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