An LP takes about 30 minutes. 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 patient is positioned with the back curved out, so the spaces between the vertebrae are as wide as possible. This makes it easier for the doctor to insert the needle.
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. Infants and younger children are usually positioned on their sides with their knees under their chin.
Lumbar Puncture
Once the child in the correct position, the back is cleansed with an antiseptic and a sterile area is maintained to minimize infection risk. The doctor performing the procedure also wears sterile gloves while performing the procedure.
A small puncture through the skin on the lower back is made and liquid anesthetic medicine is injected into the tissues beneath the skin to prevent pain. In many cases, before the injected anesthesia medication is given, a numbing cream is applied to the skin to minimize discomfort.
The spinal needle is thin and the length varies according to the size of the patient. It has a hollow core, and inside the hollow core is a "stylet," another type of thin needle that acts kind of like a plug. When the spinal needle is inserted into the lower lumbar area, the stylet is carefully removed, which allows the cerebrospinal fluid to drip out into the collection tubes.
After the CSF sample is collected (this usually takes about 2-5 minutes), the needle is withdrawn and a small bandage is placed on the site. Collected samples are sent to a lab for analysis and testing.
Sometimes doctors also measure the amount of pressure in the CSF using a special device called a manometer. High CSF pressure can happen under certain conditions, like meningitis.
The patient is positioned with the back curved out, so the spaces between the vertebrae are as wide as possible. This makes it easier for the doctor to insert the needle.
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. Infants and younger children are usually positioned on their sides with their knees under their chin.Lumbar Puncture
Once the child in the correct position, the back is cleansed with an antiseptic and a sterile area is maintained to minimize infection risk. The doctor performing the procedure also wears sterile gloves while performing the procedure.
A small puncture through the skin on the lower back is made and liquid anesthetic medicine is injected into the tissues beneath the skin to prevent pain. In many cases, before the injected anesthesia medication is given, a numbing cream is applied to the skin to minimize discomfort.
The spinal needle is thin and the length varies according to the size of the patient. It has a hollow core, and inside the hollow core is a "stylet," another type of thin needle that acts kind of like a plug. When the spinal needle is inserted into the lower lumbar area, the stylet is carefully removed, which allows the cerebrospinal fluid to drip out into the collection tubes.
After the CSF sample is collected (this usually takes about 2-5 minutes), the needle is withdrawn and a small bandage is placed on the site. Collected samples are sent to a lab for analysis and testing.
Sometimes doctors also measure the amount of pressure in the CSF using a special device called a manometer. High CSF pressure can happen under certain conditions, like meningitis.
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