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spinal tap (lumbar puncture)

a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal to measure the pressure and obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (csf), the colourless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. the procedure may also be used to inject anesthetics, medicine, or a contrast dye (for spinal x-rays) into the spinal fluid. and it may be used to drain fluids that build up as a result of certain medical conditions.

fluid samples obtained from a spinal tap can be analyzed for signs of infection (such as meningitis), inflammation, cancer, or bleeding in the area around the brain or spinal cord.

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