How to Palpate the Spleen

1). Have the patient lay flat on his or her back. A solid and flat surface, like the floor or a treatment table, works best.
2). Sit or stand next to the patient on his right side. Place your right hand flat on the lower right portion of the left side of the patient's abdomen.
3). Reach across and place your left hand just under the patient's left side, right above the hip. Lift slightly from underneath.
4). Have the patient take a deep breath. Following the path just below the left ribcage, press the flat surface of the fingers of your right hand gently into the abdomen. Feel for the tip of the spleen.