Pericardiocentesis Fluid sterile, clear, or straw-colored After skin preparation and infiltration of local anesthetic, 1% lidocaine without epinephrine Small incision is made in the skin. Needle is inserted through the incision. An electrocardiographic lead is attached to pericardiocentesis needle. To determine the cause of and appropriate therapy for acute Pericarditis, subacute effusive- constrictive Pericarditis, neoplastic pericardial disease, and Pericardial Effusion of unknown cause. Bacterial, viral, fungal infection Malignancies Uncooperative patients Patient with anticoagulant therapy Bleeding Disorders Thrombocytopenia