PATIENT INFORMATION FOR LUMBAR PUNCTURE

Lumbar Puncture with X-Ray guidance

A lumbar puncture is a diagnostic and at times therapeutic procedure that is performed in order to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory analysis, or rarely to relieve increased intracranial pressure. X-Rays pictures are used to image the spine.

Patient Safety Tips Prior to a Lumbar Puncture

• Please let us know if you have any allergies or adverse reactions to medications.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, please tell your doctor or technologist.
• Please leave your valuables at home or in your room in the hospital.
• Please let us now if you need interpreting services, this can be arranged for you.
• Please bring a list of your current medications with you (out-patient).  Stop taking Aspirin or aspirin-containing products at least 2 days prior to the procedure. If you are taking other blood thinning medications, contact your doctor to discuss.
• For outpatients, a responsible adult must accompany you home after the exam.

Preparation for the procedure

• You may eat a light breakfast the morning of the test.  Medications may be taken with a small amount of water.
• Outpatients, please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time.
• The technologist will verify your identification and exam requested.
• There will be an opportunity for you to talk to the radiologist about the plan for the procedure and give your consent.
• Bring any x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans of your spine or brain to the hospital.
• Inpatients will be scheduled and an escort will transport you to Radiology.

During the procedure

• The duration of the procedure will vary, but the average is about 1 hours.
• The technologist will position you on the exam table, usually on your stomach.
• The technologist and radiologist will be available to answer any questions.

After the procedure

• After the procedure, you may be brought into the Radiology holding area for observation.
• It is important to remain flat on your back as much as possible.
• Drink extra fluids for the remainder of the day.  Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.

If you have any questions, please call the scheduling nurse at 415-353-4030.

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