TY - JOUR T1 - Post pleural aspiration chest X-ray JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J DO - 10.1183/13993003.congress-2015.PA754 VL - 46 IS - suppl 59 SP - PA754 AU - Sally Metcalfe AU - Wasim Jamal AU - M. Jamil Malik Y1 - 2015/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/suppl_59/PA754.abstract N2 - Post pleural aspiration chest X-ray is not indicated if the pleural aspiration is simple and uncomplicated1. Research indicates that the rate of pneumothorax post pleural aspiration varies from 0-19.2%2. The incidence differs significantly and our study aimed to investigate the incidence of pneumothorax post pleural aspiration and to review compliance with British Thoracic Society pleural disease guidelines when performing a post pleural aspiration chest X-ray.We examined the rate of pneumothorax in all patients who underwent pleural aspiration in 2013 in a large district general hospital in the U.K. Retrospective data was collected from 104 patients to study if post procedure chest X-ray was indicated and if an iatrogenic pneumothorax developed.Post pleural aspiration chest X-ray to look for immediate complication of pneumothorax was performed in 28% of all patients studied. It was indicated in 50% of the patients, and there was no incidence of pneumothorax post procedure. Further detailed study of all 104 patients did not reveal incidence of post procedure pneumothorax.The rate of pneumothorax, post simple and uncomplicated pleural aspiration, is low. Post procedure chest X-ray, therefore, is not indicated in most instances. In our study half of the patients had a chest X-ray with no definite indications. This study not only depicts unnecessary use of resources and investigations, but also has implications with regards to radiation exposure. Raising awareness, complying with the guidelines, and teaching and training can help reduce the incidence of unnecessary chest X-rays post simple pleural aspiration.1. British Thoracic Society. Pleural Disease Guidelines 20102. Gordon, G.E et al. Arch Internal Medicine 2010; 170(4):332-339. ER -