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Lumbar Puncture (LP)

Lumbar puncture refers to a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal for the purpose of:

• Obtaining a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis Injecting medication into the cerebrospinal fluid, i.e., in Acute Lymphoid Leukemia

• Injecting radiographic contrast material for X-Ray imaging

Spinal canal is the space within the spine where the spinal cord is located. This procedure is normally done at bedside with the patient laying on his side. Local anesthetics are injected in the area in the lower back, where the needle has to be entered. After adequate anesthesia, a very thin needle is inserted into the space. The pressure of the fluid is measured by connecting a simple device to the needle. The cerebrospinal fluid is then collected from the needle end.