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Examples of spinal tap in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Unlike beta-amyloid, which requires a spinal tap or PET scan to identify, this other protein can be identified in the blood, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 23 Jan. 2024
The patient may undergo a PET scan, an M.R.I. or a spinal tap — tests that detect the presence of two proteins in the brain, amyloid plaques and tau tangles, both associated with Alzheimer’s.
—Paula Span, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024
Neurology was consulted and did an extensive work-up: blood tests, CT scans, an M.R.I., an EEG, a spinal tap.
—Lisa Sanders, M.d., New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024
Unwitting participants lured in by the promise of free medical care, hot meals and burial insurance returned regularly for aspirin, tonics, blood draws and the occasional spinal tap.
—Caitjan Gainty, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Jan. 2024
Other tests may include tissue sampling or a spinal tap called a lumbar puncture during which fluid is removed from two bones in the lower spine for testing.
—Clare Fisher, Peoplemag, 11 Jan. 2024
During his time in the hospital, Jeremy needed a spinal tap, suffered infections and throat swelling, and needed to wear a temperature-regulating suit.
—Natalie Kainz, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2023
Physicians currently must perform a spinal tap and imaging tests when trying to diagnose Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Nov. 2023
If someone does experience problems like forgetting who family members are, or getting lost while walking familiar paths, a combination of cognitive tests, brain scans, blood work, or a spinal tap can pinpoint the cause of their dementia.
—WIRED, 13 Nov. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spinal tap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1947, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near spinal tap
Cite this Entry
“Spinal tap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinal%20tap. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Medical Definition
spinal tap
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on spinal tap
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spinal tap
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