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In today's world there are several diseases, conditions and infections that adults as well as children suffer from. In order to treat these afflictions, a proper diagnosis is absolutely essential. There are some ailments that can be diagnosed through x rays, urine test, CT scans, MRIs and so on. Most of these procedures are non-invasive. However, in some cases, adults or even children may be required to go in for an invasive test, like a blood test or even the lumbar puncture procedure.

What is a lumbar puncture procedure?

A lumbar puncture procedure, also known as a spinal tap can be described as a screening procedure in which the cerebral fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord is collected. During this invasive procedure, a needle is inserted into the lumbar area, which is located at the lower back. Anesthesia is applied on to the area, so that it becomes numb and the patient is required to sit or in some cases lie down, in a particular position. The right position is very important in the lumbar puncture procedure, as it helps to widen the gaps between the bones in the lower spine, so that the needle can be inserted, without much trouble. In fact, all the lumbar puncture procedure steps need to be followed with accuracy, as this is a very sensitive procedure. Given below are the different steps in the lumbar puncture procedure:

• The patient sits down on the edge of the table or lies down on the side, with the knees drawn up to the chest.
• The doctor marks the area, where the puncture will be made (with a pen)
• The area is cleaned with some soap, before being draped with a sterile towel
• Anesthesia is applied on to the skin
• A long and thin needle is inserted in the spinal canal and the stylet is removed so that the fluid is collected. In some cases, the doctor may need to move the needle farther in or at a different angle, to get the fluid in the spine.
• A device known as a manometer is connected to the needle, to measure the pressure of the fluid. Patients who are lying down may be asked to straighten their legs at this point.
• Once the fluid is collected, the final pressure reading is taken, the needle is removed and the site of the puncture is cleaned and bandaged.

The samples of the fluid are collected, they are sent to a lab, to check for any abnormalities.

Just like in the case of other invasive testing procedures, there are certain lumbar puncture procedure side effects that people may experience, such as headaches (which could last days), backaches, minor nerve injuries and spinal bleeding. In some cases, the side effects of the lumbar puncture procedure could be more severe, involving paraplegia or paralysis of the lower back.

The lumbar puncture procedure in children may be carried out in case of emergencies. Parents are advised to speak to the doctor and get information on the pediatric lumbar puncture procedure.