Spinal fluid Collection:
Spinal fluid is usually obtained from lumbar region, although may be obtained during surgery from the cervical region or from the cistern or ventricle of the brain.
Spinal fluid examination is used to detect the presence of cerebrovascular accident, meningitis, demylinating disease, or meningeal involvement in malignant disease.
Lumbar puncture which is done in the area between the third and fourth or fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. After applying anesthesia, a spinal needle is introduced into the spinal canal. Then, 4 ml of fluid is allowed to drip into three sterile clean plain tubes. The first one is used for chemical and serological tests, the second for microbiological tests, and the third for microscopic and cytological examination. Up to 20 mL of spinal fluid can be safely removed from an adult. Specimen should be transported quickly to the laboratory for rapid processing.