Aspiration
Aspiration

Aspiration

Definition:
To draw in or out using suction. The term can refer to inhaling purposefully (such as breathing in oxygen or inhalants) or inhaling accidentally (such as sucking food into the airway). May also refer to medical interventions to remove harmful substances (such as air, body fluids, or bone fragments) or to remove tissue samples for testing.

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Review Date: 10/9/2001
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.

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