lumbar puncture – taking a sample of spinal fluid by inserting a needle into the body at the base of the spine. Also called a spinal tap.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
pulmonary – relating to the lungs.
amniocentesis – test in which cells around a fetus are removed and examined to detect genetic abnormalities
chorionic villus sampling – test in which cells around an embryo are removed and examined to detect genetic abnormalities.
cancer – disease caused by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.