Lumbar Puncture Preparation

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Instructions for Patients

St. Mary's Regional Medical Center
Dept. of Imaging Services
(207)777-8482

Basic Instructions

• Please arrange for a ride home after your lumbar puncture.
• Drink extra fluids the day before
• No solid foods from midnight on, if lumbar puncture is scheduled for the morning.
• Drink extra fluids (no caffeine) up to 2 hours before exam.
• 2 hours before exam – NPO (If medications needed, take only with swallow of water.)
• Please arrive 45 minutes before scheduled lumbar puncture appointment. Go to the
  Lobby Registration office first then report to the 2nd floor Outpatient Department.
• Plan on 2 to 3 hours from arrival to discharge.
• On the ride home, the back of the seat should be in the full reclining position rather
  than straight up. It is important to lie as flat as possible to help prevent a bad headache.

            1. For those taking Blood Thinners:

If you are taking any of these medications: Coumadin, Plavix,
Enoxaparin, Aspirin  
It is necessary to stop taking them for 5 days prior to lumbar puncture.
If you are on Lovenox, stop taking this medicine during the 24 hour
period before procedure.

You will need to have an INR lab test done the day before the lumbar
puncture.
This test can be done at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center at the main
location or at labs on Minot Ave Lab or at  the Trolley Medical Building.
(The results of the INR must be within normal limits to prevent bleeding
at the injection site.)       

             2. For Patients with Allergies:

If you have any allergies to latex, please be sure to tell your doctor.

If you have questions about these instructions, or if you have questions about
your lumbar puncture, please call the Radiology Department at (207)777-8482.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           DMK 4-29-08