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What is a spinal tap?
A spinal tap, also called a lumbar puncture, is medical procedure where a doctor removes some of the patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fulid around the brain and spine, for testing.
For more information about spinal taps, click on the following links:
Spinal Tap Overview - kidshealth.org
CSF Collection -Medline
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What does it mean to have an abnormal spinal tap?
The visual appearnce of CSF is one thing physicians consider. CSF is normally clear, so abnormal results include CSF that looks cloudy or bloody. Lab tests are also performed on the CSF. Click here for more information on what abnormal results mean.
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Possible causes/diagnosis:
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Science Links
What is a culture?
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