title: Making tympanocentesis [correction of tympanpanocentesis] easier.
abstract: Tympanocentesis can be of great value in identifying the etiologic agent of acute otitis media. Unfortunately the trepidation with which clinicians approach this procedure may limit its application. This report of a method of tympanocentesis suggests a short-cut using instruments readily available in emergency departments and in many doctors' offices. The manuscript describes a means of stabilizing the needle in the middle ear during aspiration and details a simple method of handling middle ear aspirates which should ensure the viability of middle ear bacteria until they reach the laboratory.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery/Head and Neck Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Dudley
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000382:microbiology*; D011677:Punctures; D014432:Tympanic Membrane