CSF can be sampled through a needle inserted into the lower spine under local anaesthetic. The needle goes into an area below where the spinal nerve ends. Usually this is Methotrexate , but sometimes Cytarabine is used. LP is performed with you lying on your side, curled up in a foetal position.
Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin over the area where the spinal needle is inserted.
If LP is performed as an outpatient someone will need to accompany you to drive you home. The CSF is a clear coloured fluid. The sample is sent to the laboratory and examined under the microscope to see if there are malignant cells present. The result may take a couple of days to be reported. CanCare has been prepared for educational purposes only and is not designed to provide medical advice or professional services.