Who Performs Lumbar Punctures?

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

Where would a doctor perform a lumbar puncture spinal tap on a patient?

A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is performed in your lower back, in the lumbar region. During a lumbar puncture, a needle is inserted between two lumbar bones (vertebrae) to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord to protect them from injury.

Can nurses do lumbar puncture?

Nurses performing diagnostic lumbar puncture can help to reduce the cost of the procedure.