How do you perform a lumbar puncture on a neonate?

How do you perform a lumbar puncture on a neonate?

Procedure for lumbar puncture

1. Place infant on blue underpad (ensure underpad is removed after skin preparation if any pooling of skin preparation solution has occurred).
2. Position baby.
3. Apply face mask.
4. Wash hands, gown and glove.
5. Cut 3 cm diameter hole in middle of plastic drape.
6. Prepare the skin.
7. Identify L4.

What is the landmark for lumbar puncture?

Background: The anatomical landmark which is used to identify the correct level for lumbar puncture is the line connecting both iliac crests. This crosses the vertebra column at the level of the L4-L5 intervertebral space or L4 vertebra.

Where do you do a lumbar puncture on a child?

The subarachnoid space must be entered below the level of spinal cord termination. Any of the interspaces between L3-L4 and L5-S1 can be used for the lumbar puncture in kids. Whether the lateral decubitus or sitting position is chosen, the spine should be flexed maximally to increase spacing between spinous processes.

Why would they do a lumbar puncture on a newborn baby?

Why does my baby need it? The lumbar puncture is done to check if your baby has a serious infection called meningitis. It can also be done to check for bleeding around the brain and spine.

When do you use a lumbar puncture in the evaluation for neonatal sepsis?

Infants younger than 1 month are at risk for meningitis and may not present with classic signs such as seizures or a bulging fontanelle. Thus, a lumbar puncture should be considered during an evaluation for sepsis in newborns in specific scenarios.

How do you palpate L3 L4?

Wearing nonsterile gloves, locate the L3-L4 interspace by palpating the right and left posterior superior iliac crests and moving the fingers medially toward the spine (see the image below). Palpate that interspace (L3-L4), the interspace above (L2-L3), and the interspace below (L4-L5) to find the widest space.

How do you palpate L3 and L4?

What does a lumbar puncture test for in newborns?

Why does my child need a lumbar puncture? A lumbar puncture is needed to test the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. This test may be done to find out if a child has meningitis (a serious infection around the brain). Meningitis may be suspected in a baby with a fever, especially in babies less than one month old.

How long does a lumbar puncture take on a newborn?

The procedure usually takes approximately 30 minutes.