A lumbar puncture (LP, also known as a spinal tap) is a diagnostic and at times, therapeutic medical procedure. Diagnostic indications The main diagnostic indications of performing a LP is for collection and evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnosis and exclusion of infectious, inflammatory ...

A lumbar puncture (LP) is contraindicated in the following scenarios: Patients with bleeding diathesis, e.g. severe coagulopathy (INR >1.4) and thrombocytopenia (platelet <50 x 109/L). If coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia is not corrected prior to the procedure, spinal hematomas resulting in spinal cord compromise may result. ...

Patient Position A lumbar puncture (LP) can be performed with the patient in the lateral recumbent position or sitting upright. The lateral recumbent position is preferred because it allows accurate measurement of the opening pressure. The patient shown in the photo here is in the ...

In the video shown here, the patient is in the left lateral recumbent position. The lumbosacral region of the patient is clearly exposed. The doctor has put on sterile gloves and is applying disinfectant over the lumbar region. Sterile draping is then applied as shown ...

By palpating onto the iliac crest and spinal processes of the back, the site of needle puncture for lumbar puncture (LP) is identified. As the spinal cord ends at the level of L2 in adults, the spinal needle can be inserted safely between the L3/4 ...