In medicine the term „puncture“ describes the extraction of tissues or fluid from a body cavity by inserting a hollow needle. This is frequently applied in tumor diagnostics, as for example:

• Bone marrow puncture and biopsy (iliac crest biopsy)

  The bone marrow produces red and white blood cells (erythrocytes and leucocytes) as well as platelets (thrombocytes). In bone marrow biopsies a small bone marrow sample is removed through a hollow needle for further examination. In most cases the doctor will be able to diagnose diseases of the blood building system with this procedure. A bone marrow puncture can be performed on an outpatient basis.

• Pleura puncture

  Withdrawing fluid from the gap between ribs and lungs under ultrasound guidance.

• Peritoneal puncture (ascites puncture)

  Withdrawing abdominal fluid from the abdominal cavity under ultrasound guidance.

• Liquor puncture

  Withdrawing cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal cord or brain.