Dr. Burns suspects that his patient has meningitis, which is a disease that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be detected by observing fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. Which diagnostic procedure will the doctor most likely use to confirm his suspicions?

A lumbar puncture collects cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, so it can be examined for signs of meningitis. Urinalysis tests urine, radiography uses imaging, and a barium swallow examines swallowing and the esophagus. Therefore, the doctor would most likely use a lumbar puncture.

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