The dura (sack containing the spinal cord and also the spinal fluid) is surrounded by the epidural space. So, when placing a lumbar puncture needle ("spinal" needle) successively through: the skin of the lower back, the underlying fat, the ligaments that run vertically between the spinous processes of the spine, it will have to go across the epidural space, then puncture the dura and enter the spinal fluid, a few milliliters of which is then sent for laboratory testing.
I think you mean level of the vertebral column is a lumbar puncture generally performed?
A lumbar puncture is typically performed in the lower back, between the third and fourth or fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. This location allows for the needle to be inserted into the subarachnoid space to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes.
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is typically performed in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. It is done in a sterile procedure room by a healthcare provider such as a doctor or nurse.
spinal cord
Cerebrospinal fluid is obtained by lumbar puncture.
A lumbar puncture takes about 30 minutes.
The lumbar puncture must be done below the level of the spinal cord termination (conus medullaris), which is typically at the L1-L2 vertebral level in adults. Placing the needle below this point reduces the risk of spinal cord injury.
A lumbar puncture is usually done between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae (L3 and L4) as, in adults, the thick part of the spinal cord has ended by this point, meaning it can't be damaged by the lumbar puncture. The nerve fibres in this area are called the cauda equina (horse's tail) and they actually seem to move out of the way as the needle passes though into the cerebrospinal fluid.
a spinal tap, or lumbar puncture
Prepare for lumbar puncture
It's the same. Two terms used for one procedure. Or we may say that lumbar puncture is a spinal tap that is done in lumbar area, while spinal tap can also be performed right below the occipital bone (called suboccipital puncture). All in all it's a procedure to obtain the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Patients must avoid sitting or standing and remain lying down for as long as six hours after the lumbar puncture. They should also drink plenty of fluid to help prevent lumbar puncture headache