Who Can Perform Lumbar Punctures?

A doctor, nurse practitioner (NP), nurse anesthesiologist, or physician assistant (PA) performs a lumbar puncture.

Can nurses perform lumbar punctures?

Currently, three RNs are deemed competent to perform lumbar puncture.

Can a neurologist do a lumbar puncture?

Lumbar puncture (LP) is one of the few procedures that neurologists routinely perform and one for which they usually take pride in their performance skills. Rare is the seasoned neurologist who needs fluoroscopy to perform an LP.