Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Spleen Palpation
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Video coming September 2026
How to Perform
With the patient supine, stand at the right side and reach across with your left hand to support and gently lift the lower left rib cage from behind. Place your right hand flat on the abdomen, beginning in the right lower quadrant. Press gently inward and upward as the patient takes a deep breath, feeling for the splenic edge to descend against your fingers. If no edge is felt, move your right hand diagonally toward the left upper quadrant in small increments, repeating the maneuver with each inspiration until you reach the left costal margin.
How to Interpret
Showing 4 of 17 findings
Cirrhosis
Palpable spleen tip
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Strong
Infectious Mononucleosis
Palpable spleen tip in an adolescent or young adult
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
Minimally helpful
Evidence:Strong
Malaria
Palpable spleen in returning travelers with fever
Rule in
Helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Strong
Splenomegaly
Palpable spleen tip
Rule in
Very helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited