Ultrasound may help doctors hit the mark on infant spinal taps

NCT ID NCT02918149

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two methods for performing a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) in infants up to 6 months old. One method uses ultrasound to guide the needle, while the other relies on feeling for landmarks on the back. The goal is to see if ultrasound helps doctors succeed on the first try, reducing the need for repeated needle sticks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Ultrasound-assisted lumbar puncture technique
What this could lead to: If ultrasound improves success rates, it could reduce the number of needle sticks and complications for infants needing a spinal tap.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-center study, so results may not apply to all hospitals. Ultrasound may not significantly improve success over the traditional method.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LUMBAR PUNCTURE

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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