What specimens are collected during a lumbar puncture?

During a lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is collected. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal to obtain CSF, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The collection of CSF is crucial for diagnosing various conditions, such as infections (like meningitis), bleeding around the brain, multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancers.

The analysis of CSF provides valuable information about the central nervous system and can help identify abnormalities that might not be detectable through other diagnostic means. The specialized fluid contains cells, proteins, and glucose that can be assessed for changes indicative of disease.

Blood samples, synovial fluid, and urine samples are collected for different medical tests and evaluations but are not obtained during a lumbar puncture, underscoring the specificity and purpose of the procedure in relation to CSF.