Intermediate
Technical
IVT
aqueous tap
Diagnostic procedure involving aspiration of aqueous humor for cytological or molecular analysis. Used in suspected intraocular lymphoma or metastatic disease.
Full Definition
A diagnostic procedure in which aqueous humor is aspirated from the anterior chamber using a fine needle for cytological examination, flow cytometry, or molecular analysis. In ocular oncology, aqueous tap is primarily used to diagnose intraocular lymphoma, identify infectious causes of uveitis, or detect malignant cells in suspected metastatic disease. The procedure requires careful documentation of technique and sample handling for accurate laboratory analysis.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'vitreous tap' in documentation. Specify volume obtained when recording procedure details.
In Context
- "An aqueous tap was performed to rule out intraocular lymphoma." — procedure note
- "Cytological analysis of the aqueous tap revealed malignant lymphocytes." — laboratory report
Also known as
aqueous humor aspiration
anterior chamber tap
Don't confuse with
vitreous tap
anterior chamber injection