lumbar puncture

American  

noun

1. Medicine/Medical. puncture into the arachnoid membrane of the spinal cord, in the lumbar region, and withdrawal of spinal fluid, performed for diagnosis of the fluid, injection of dye for imaging, or administration of anesthesia or medication.

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lumbar puncture British  

noun

1. med insertion of a hollow needle into the lower region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid, introduce drugs, etc

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lumbar puncture Scientific  

1. The insertion of a hollow needle beneath the arachnoid membrane of the spinal cord in the lumbar region to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes or to administer medication.

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Etymology

Origin of lumbar puncture

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Participants received doses of up to 70mg of zorevunersen through a lumbar puncture.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

Tests were carried out including a lumbar puncture and an MRI and probes were fitted to his scalp to monitor the seizures.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2025

Then - after his condition worsened while at home one weekend - he was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where, after a lumbar puncture, he was diagnosed with TB.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2023

Meningitis testing includes an MRI and a lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap.

From Seattle Times • May 24, 2023

The withdrawal of 30 or 40 c.c. of cerebro-spinal fluid by lumbar puncture has also proved beneficial in the same way; Quenú strongly recommends repeated puncture in serious cases.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander