The saline drop test is used to verify placement of which instrument?

• A. Endoscope
• B. Palmer's point trocar
• C. Hasson cannula
• D. Veress needle

Answer: (D)

The test is used to confirm that the instrument is within the peritoneal cavity before creating pneumoperitoneum. A small amount of sterile saline is connected to the Veress needle hub and observed. If the needle tip is in the intraperitoneal space, the abdomen’s negative pressure will draw saline into the cavity (saline will flow cleanly into the abdomen or be drawn away from the hub), indicating correct intraperitoneal placement. If the needle is in a false space (such as preperitoneal tissue or not in the cavity), the saline will not flow in the same way and the drop will remain at the hub or show resistance, signaling abnormal placement. This simple check specifically evaluates the Veress needle position before insufflation.