Pearls and Pitfalls

Fig 11: Haemothorax

Pitfall:

You may underestimate the size of the haemothorax on a supine CXR (Click the image to see a larger version).

Learning Bite

When significant haemothorax is anticipated, prime the underwater seal for the chest drain with saline not sterile water and never insert a chest drain without first ensuring that there is IV access and blood products to hand.