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What else can I help you with?
What is the difference in a lumbar puncture and a spinal tap?
It's the same. Two terms used for one procedure. Or we may say that lumbar puncture is a spinal tap that is done in lumbar area, while spinal tap can also be performed right below the occipital bone (called suboccipital puncture). All in all it's a procedure to obtain the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
What does No fluid in spinal cord during lumbar puncture indicate?
I doubt there would be NO fluid in the spinal cord, but very often physicians cannot tap the spinal cord to obtain fluid, sometimes, they just cannot get in. In cases like this, they will often send the person to radiology for a CT assisted lumbar puncture There is a condition called dry tap, that is when no fluid drained out while lumbar puncture is performed. Fluid thickening due to inflammatory process (called arachnoiditis) may be one of its causes (because it thickens, it cannot pass the syringe)
What other ways can they measure spinal fluid when its a dry tap in a very sick patient?
If a dry tap occurs during a lumbar puncture in a very sick patient, alternative methods to assess spinal fluid include using imaging techniques like MRI or CT myelography to visualize the spinal canal and identify potential obstructions. Additionally, a repeat lumbar puncture may be attempted after repositioning the patient or using different needle sizes. In some cases, an alternative approach, such as a ventricular tap or intraventricular catheterization, can be considered to obtain cerebrospinal fluid directly from the ventricles.
What is cerebrospinal fluid analysis?
The procedure to remove cerebrospinal fluid is called a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, because the area of the spinal column used to obtain the sample is in the lumbar spine, or lower section of the back.
A sternal puncture is often employed to obtain a sample of?
yellow bone marrow
What does it mean when no fluid is drawn when a spinal tap is done?
It usually means whomever was performing the lumbar puncture or "spinal tap" missed the sub-dural space where the spinal fluid is located. It may also be that the patient was dehydrated or was leaking CSF (cerebral-spinal fluid) thus making it very difficult to obtain a sample.
What is dermal puncture?
Dermal puncture refers to a technique used to obtain capillary blood samples by pricking the skin using a lancet or needle. It is commonly done on the finger, heel, or other suitable site for blood collection in medical settings such as hospitals, clinics, or laboratories.
Which fingers should be used for dermal puncture to obtain capillary blood specimens?
For dermal puncture to obtain capillary blood specimens, the recommended fingers are typically the middle or ring finger of the non-dominant hand. These fingers have adequate blood supply and are less likely to be calloused compared to the index finger. The puncture should be made on the side of the fingertip to minimize discomfort and maximize blood flow. In infants, the heel is often used for this procedure.
Where can I find more information on lumbar spinal stenosis ?
The first and easiest place to obtain information on lumbar spinal stenosis is your doctor. They will be able to diagnose you, discuss with you treatment options and prognosis, and be a source of support and comfort. You can also find information online.
What instrument is used to collect blood by performing a skin puncture?
A lancet is commonly used to collect blood by performing a skin puncture. It is a small, sharp instrument that creates a tiny hole in the skin to obtain a blood sample for testing purposes.
Why is it necessary to obtain the smallest possible size of the sample?
The smaller the sample, the fewer the resources required: in terms of time, cost of data collection, preparation, input and analyses.
What is the purpose of capillary puncture?
The purpose of capillary puncture is to obtain a small sample of blood for diagnostic testing, particularly when only a limited volume is needed. This procedure is commonly used in infants and young children, where venipuncture may be more challenging. Capillary puncture is also utilized for rapid tests, such as blood glucose monitoring, and can provide quick results for various health assessments. It minimizes discomfort and risk for the patient compared to more invasive blood draw methods.
