A spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture, will be used to collect your cerebrospinal fluid. A spinal tap is typically performed in a hospital. Throughout the procedure:
You will either lie on your side or sit on an examination table.
A health care provider will clean your back and inject an anesthetic into your skin to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Before this injection, your provider may apply a numbing cream to your back.
Your provider will insert a thin, hollow needle between two vertebrae in your lower spine once the area on your back is completely numb. The small backbones that make up your spine are known as vertebrae.
A small amount of cerebrospinal fluid will be withdrawn for testing by your provider. This will take approximately five minutes.
You must remain completely still while the fluid is withdrawn.
After the procedure, your provider may instruct you to lie on your back for an hour or two. This may help you avoid a headache afterward.