UWMC Procedures Page

This excellent resource from the UWMC's Division of Emergency Medicine has multiple procedures all available from a central page based on FLASH. (needs flash player).

http://depts.washington.edu/emed/procedures/index.swf

Lumbar Puncture (eMedicine)

Lumbar puncture is a procedure that is often performed in the emergency department to obtain information about the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although usually used for diagnostic purposes to rule out potential life-threatening conditions such as bacterial meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage.... (read more)

Lumbar Punctures (NEJM Video)

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This video will demonstrate safe and successful methods of performing lumbar puncture. Lumbar puncture is indicated for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Also, the administration of spinal and epidural anesthesia involves the use essentially of the same technique. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid may be helpful in the diagnosis of infectious processes such as meningitis, inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancers such as leukemia, and metabolic processes. Therapeutically, lumbar puncture allows for the intrathecal administration of chemotherapeutic agents and antibiotics. There are specific contraindications to lumbar puncture. The condition of patients with cardiorespiratory compromise may worsen as a consequence of . . . . Chapters: Introduction Overview Gather the Equipment Positioning Preparation Needle Insertion Opening Pressure Specimen Collection Challenges Complications