Lumbar puncture is a new service offered by Riddiford Neurology. A lumbar puncture (or spinal tap) is used to help diagnose certain neurological conditions. A lumbar puncture may be requested to examine cerebrospinal fluid for infection, inflammation, or other neurological disorders. It may also be requested to check the cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
A lumbar puncture is an outpatient procedure performed by doctors with specialist training. During a lumbar puncture, a needle is inserted into the space between the lumbar vertebrae and a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid is collected. More information about what is involved with a lumbar puncture can be found here.
Referrals for lumbar puncture can be made through your doctor or specialist. If there is a specific question regarding lumbar puncture testing, medical practitioners should feel free to contact one of the partners. The results of the test will usually be available within a week (but may be longer if specialised testing is requested) and will be communicated with the referring doctor.
