General
tap
What does tap mean?
Short for a diagnostic or therapeutic puncture that draws off fluid, most often a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) but also chest or abdominal taps.
"We need a tap to rule out meningitis."
Origin
From 'tapping' fluid off a space with a needle.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tap in medicine?
A tap is a needle procedure that draws off fluid from a body space, most often a lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap.
What kinds of taps are there?
Common ones include a spinal tap, a chest tap for pleural fluid, and an abdominal tap for peritoneal fluid.
Why would a patient need a tap?
To sample fluid for diagnosis, such as ruling out meningitis, or to relieve pressure by removing excess fluid.
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