What is withdrawn during a spinal tap?
A lumbar puncture (LP) or spinal tap may be done to diagnose or treat a condition. For this procedure, your healthcare provider inserts a hollow needle into the space surrounding the spinal column (subarachnoid space) in the lower back to withdraw some cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or inject medicine.
What does spinal fluid test for?
What is it used for? A CSF analysis may include tests to diagnose: Infectious diseases of the brain and spinal cord, including meningitis and encephalitis. CSF tests for infections look at white blood cells, bacteria, and other substances in the cerebrospinal fluid.
What can be collected from a spinal tap procedure?
A lumbar puncture (LP), also called a spinal tap, is an invasive outpatient procedure used to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the subarachnoid space in the spine. (This test is similar to a blood test, in which a needle is inserted into an artery to collect blood for testing.)
How painful is a spinal fluid test?
A lumbar puncture is where a thin needle is inserted between the bones in your lower spine. It should not be painful, but you may have a headache and some back pain for a few days. It’s carried out in hospital by a doctor or specialist nurse.
Can you be sedated for a spinal tap?
Your doctor will likely do this exam on an outpatient basis. A nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm to administer a sedative. This procedure may use moderate sedation.
How long are you on bed rest after a lumbar puncture?
The duty physician advises you that the patient will require four hours bed rest after the lumbar puncture.
How much does a CSF test cost?
Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) Test Cost
| City | Average Price | Price Upto |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Rs. 788.00 | Rs. 1500.00 |
| Nalgonda | Rs. 440.00 | Rs. 600.00 |
| Delhi | Rs. 584.00 | Rs. 1500.00 |
| Noida | Rs. 459.00 | Rs. 650.00 |
How long do CSF test results take?
These results are usually ready in about 48 to 72 hours. Sometimes, the doctor will start antibiotic treatment while waiting for the culture results. Lab technicians look for several things when examining the cerebrospinal fluid sample, including: General appearance: CSF should be clear and colorless like water.
Why do you lay flat after lumbar puncture?
You may be asked to lie flat to rest after the lumbar puncture is completed. You will be asked to drink extra fluids to rehydrate after the procedure. This replaces the CSF that was withdrawn during the spinal tap and reduces the chance of developing a headache.
Can you lay on your stomach after a spinal tap?
Description of a spinal tap A spinal tap also may occasionally be performed by an interventional radiologist using an X-ray machine. If this procedure is used, you will lay flat on your stomach. After cleaning your back with an antiseptic, sterile cloths (called drapes) will be placed around the area.
Does a spinal tap hurt afterwards?
Post-lumbar puncture headaches can last from a few hours to a week or more. Back discomfort or pain. You may feel pain or tenderness in your lower back after the procedure. The pain might radiate down the back of your legs.
