Which procedure is used to collect abnormal fluid accumulations in body cavities?

The procedure used to collect abnormal fluid accumulations in body cavities is paracentesis. This procedure specifically involves inserting a needle through the abdominal wall to withdraw fluid from the peritoneal cavity, which is the space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, liver, and other organs. Paracentesis is often performed to diagnose conditions such as infections, tumors, or fluid overload that may indicate underlying health issues.

In contrast, thoracentesis refers to the procedure involving the collection of fluid from the pleural space surrounding the lungs, typically used when there is fluid buildup in that area. Lumbar puncture is utilized to obtain cerebrospinal fluid from around the spinal cord for diagnostic purposes, and venipuncture is the process of drawing blood from a vein, which does not pertain to fluid collection in body cavities. Understanding the specific applications of these procedures helps in differentiating them accurately based on the clinical context.