Infants and younger children are usually positioned on their sides with their knees under their chin. Older kids might be asked to either sit on an exam table while leaning over with their head on a pillow or lie on their side. This makes it easier for the doctor to insert the needle. The patient is positioned with the back curved out, so the spaces between the vertebrae are as wide as possible. The doctor carefully inserts a thin needle below the spinal cord - between the bones of the lower spine (vertebrae) - to withdraw the fluid sample. The ProcedureĪn LP takes about 30 minutes. You might be able to stay in the room with your child during the procedure, or you can step outside to a waiting area.
The doctor performing the lumbar puncture will know your child's medical history, but might ask additional questions such as whether your child is allergic to any medicines. PreparationĪfter the procedure is explained to you, you'll be asked to sign an informed consent form - this document states that you give permission for the procedure to be performed and that you understand the procedure, why it is being done, and any potential risks. LPs also can deliver chemotherapeutic medications. Most LPs are done to test for meningitis, but they also can detect bleeding in the brain and certain conditions affecting the nervous system (such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and multiple sclerosis). Special testing can look for certain bacteria and viruses, or find the presence of abnormal cells that can help identify specific diseases in the central nervous system. Medical personnel perform lumbar punctures and test the CSF to detect or rule out suspected diseases or conditions through analysis of the white blood cell count, glucose levels, protein, and bacteria. In a lumbar puncture, a needle is carefully inserted into the lower spine to collect the CSF sample. CSF is a clear, colorless liquid that delivers nutrients and "cushions" the brain and spinal cord, or central nervous system. A lumbar puncture (LP), often called a spinal tap, is a common medical test that involves taking a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for examination.
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