What is the process of inserting a sterile needle through the body wall and into the bladder called?

The correct answer is cystocentesis, which specifically refers to the procedure of inserting a sterile needle through the abdominal wall directly into the bladder to obtain urine. This technique is often utilized for diagnostic purposes, such as obtaining a urine sample that is free from contamination from the urethra or urinary tract. Cystocentesis is beneficial in various clinical settings, including during the assessment of urinary tract infections or other urinary conditions.

Other terms, while related, do not precisely define this procedure. Urinalysis refers to the laboratory analysis of urine samples to assess various health indicators but does not involve the physical act of obtaining the sample. Catheterization, on the other hand, involves the insertion of a catheter into the urinary bladder via the urethra, which is a different method of obtaining urine. Bladder aspiration might seem similar, but it is not a commonly used term in veterinary practice and could cause confusion, as it can imply aspiration from elsewhere rather than specific needle insertion through the body wall into the bladder. Thus, cystocentesis is the most accurate and widely recognized term for this specific procedure in veterinary medicine.