Lumbar puncture kit (usually contains three sterile specimen tubes; four sterile tubes are often necessary); sterile drapes; sterile gauze; 20-, 22-, or 24-gauge 1.5-inch spinal needle with stylet (do not use a butterfly needle, as it may introduce skin into the subarachnoid space and form a dermoid cyst); 1% lidocaine; 25- to 27-gauge needle, 1-mL syringe; sterile gloves; mask; gown; hat; and skin disinfectant (10% povidone-iodine solution).