Relative contraindications Severe bleeding diathesis, which may need to be corrected before arthrocentesis; routine therapeutic anticoagulation is not a contraindication, particularly if infection is suspected Complications of Wrist Arthrocentesis Complications are uncommon and include Infection Damage to tendon, nerve, or blood vessels (traumatic tap) Equipment for Wrist Arthrocentesis Antiseptic solution (eg, chlorhexidine, povidone iodine, isopropyl alcohol), sterile gauze, and gloves Nonsterile underpads Local anesthetic (eg, 1% lidocaine, 25 - to 30-gauge needle, 3 - to 5-mL syringe) For joint aspiration, a 25-mm (1-inch) 22 - to 20-gauge needle and 10-mL syringe Appropriate containers for collection of fluid for laboratory tests (eg, cell count, crystals, cultures) For intra-articular therapeutic injection, a syringe containing a corticosteroid (eg, triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg or methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) and / or a long-acting anesthetic (eg, 0.25% bupivacaine), a 22-gauge needle, and a hemostat to help switch syringes, if needed Additional Considerations for Wrist Arthrocentesis Sterile technique is necessary to prevent microbial contamination of both the joint space and the aspirated synovial fluid.