A lumbar puncture (LP), sometimes called a spinal tap, is a medical procedure carried out to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) – which is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord – by inserting a needle between two bones in your lower spine (vertebrae). CSF is produced constantly, so the small amount removed during an LP is quickly replaced.
Our emergency departments are currently extremely busy, and you may face a long wait to be seen. More information is available on alternative services.
