CT-Guided Pelvic Drain Catheter Placement with Intravenous Contrast
A CT-guided procedure used to place a drain in a fluid collection within the pelvis, with intravenous contrast used for imaging.
["This procedure uses CT imaging to safely position a drain in an abnormal pelvic fluid collection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 89696-9
- Short code
- CT Guided Pelv Drain+cath plc--W cont IV
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Pelv Drain+cath plc--W cont IV
- 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 thin drainage catheter is placed into a fluid collection in the pelvis. CT scans provide detailed guidance, and intravenous contrast may be given to help distinguish tissues and fluid.
Why might I need this test?
A pelvic drain may be needed when imaging shows a fluid collection that could be an abscess, blood collection, or another type of fluid buildup. Drainage can remove infected or unwanted fluid and may help reduce swelling, pain, or pressure.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a CT scanner while the clinician identifies the best route to the collection. After cleaning and numbing the access site, a needle and catheter are inserted using CT guidance. The catheter is then secured so fluid can drain into a collection bag.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by the imaging center, including restrictions on eating, drinking, and medicines. Tell the clinician about kidney disease, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, severe allergies, and any prior reaction to contrast dye.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This procedure does not produce a blood-test result; its purpose is to drain a pelvic fluid collection. The appearance and laboratory analysis of the drained fluid can help clinicians determine whether infection, bleeding, or another condition is present. If no safe access route or drainable collection is identified, the procedure may be changed or canceled.
Short name
CT-Guided Pelvic Drainage
Frequently asked questions
Is this procedure painful?
Why is intravenous contrast used?
What happens 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