How much csf is removed in a lumbar puncture

Brain herniation may occur if this test is done on a person with a mass in the brain such as a tumor or abscess. This can result in brain damage or death.

This test is not done if an exam or test reveals signs of a brain mass. Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord may occur, particularly if the person moves during the test. Cisternal puncture or ventricular puncture carries additional risks of brain or spinal cord damage and bleeding within the brain. Spinal tap; Ventricular puncture; Lumbar puncture; Cisternal puncture; Cerebrospinal fluid culture. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease.

Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Euerle BD. Spinal puncture and cerebrospinal fluid examination. Rosenberg GA. Brain edema and disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. Updated by: Joseph V. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Editorial team. Cerebrospinal fluid CSF collection.

How the Test is Performed. To have the test: You will lie on your side with your knees pulled up toward the chest, and chin tucked downward. Sometimes the test is done sitting up, but bent forward. After the back is cleaned, the health care provider will inject a local numbing medicine anesthetic into the lower spine.

A spinal needle will be inserted. An opening pressure is sometimes taken. Residents' adoption of the atraumatic lumbar puncture needle. Randomised controlled trial of atraumatic versus standard needles for diagnostic lumbar puncture. Headache rate and cost of care following lumbar puncture at a single tertiary care hospital. How do I perform a lumbar puncture and analyze the results to diagnose bacterial meningitis? Carson D, Serpell M.

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Can J Neurol Sci. British Committee for Standards in Haematology. Blood Transfusion Task Force. Guidelines for the use of platelet transfusions. Br Haematol. Waldman W, Laureno R. Precautions for lumbar puncture: a survey of neurologic educators. Preoperative antiplatelet therapy does not increase the risk of spinal hematoma associated with regional anesthesia.

Anesth Analg. Recommendations for anticoagulated patients undergoing image-guided spinal procedures. Hazards of lumbar puncture. J Am Med Assoc. London: British Thoracic Society; Ultrasonic locating devices for central venous cannulation: meta-analysis. The ultrasound can help prevent inserting the needle too far. The spinal fluid samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Lab technicians check for a number of things when examining spinal fluid, including:.

Lab results are combined with information obtained during the test, such as spinal fluid pressure, to help establish a possible diagnosis. Your health care professional generally gives you the results within a few days, but it could take longer. Ask when you can expect to receive the results of your test. Write down questions that you want to ask your doctor or nurse. Don't hesitate to ask other questions that may come up during your visit. Questions you may want to ask include:.

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Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Spinal tap lumbar puncture Open pop-up dialog box Close. Spinal tap lumbar puncture During a spinal tap lumbar puncture procedure, you typically lie on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. A doctor and at least one assistant will be in the room.

You will lie on your side with your knees drawn to your chest so that your spine is curved; in some cases you may sit on the table and lean forward onto some pillows instead. After cleaning your back with a cooling antiseptic, the doctor will numb the area of your lower back where the needle will be inserted. This may cause some brief stinging. Step 2: insert the needle Next, a hollow needle is inserted between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae into your spinal canal Fig.

The needle doesn't touch the nerves of your spinal cord. Your doctor will collect between 5 to 20 ml of cerebrospinal fluid in 2 to 4 tubes. You will probably feel pressure when the needle is inserted, and some people feel a sharp stinging sensation when the needle goes through the protective dural layer that surrounds the spinal cord.

Although you may feel some discomfort, it is important that you lie still. Let your doctor know if you are feeling pain. Step 3: measure CSF pressure optional You will be asked to straighten your legs to decrease abdominal pressure and increase cerebrospinal fluid pressure. The needle is attached to a meter and the pressure in your spinal canal is measured. Step 4: insert a lumbar drain optional In cases of hydrocephalus, a catheter may be inserted to continuously remove CSF and relieve pressure on the brain.

The doctor will apply pressure to the puncture site, then apply a bandage.