Chapter 13: Diagnostic tests
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Definition
Lumbar puncture is a technique used to sample cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It involves inserting a hollow spinal needle into the lumbar subarachnoid space and is a technique first described by Quincke ([198]). It may be used for either diagnostic or therapeutic procedures (Doherty and Forbes [50], Engelborghs et al. [56], Pagana and Pagana [177]).
