Table 2.

Needle characteristics are compared based on needle length, size, and design (systematic literature review 2016 [1])

Needle	Comparison	Advantages	Disadvantages
Length	Regular (70–90 mm)	Adults	—
	Long (>90 mm)	Obesity	Challenging approach
Diameter in gauge	Small (≥24G)	Reduced complication rates Reduced pain and discomfort Decreased risk factor: blood contaminations Requires less medical assistance and medications	Decreased flow rates, increased sampling times More failures Requires training and practice
	Large (≤22G)	Increased flow rates Decreased sampling times Fewer failures	Increased complication rates Perforations are larger Increased risk factor: contaminations
Design	Cutting bevel	Penetration is felt through skin	Increased complication rates. Requires more use of medications and medical assistance, which results in increased costs.
	Atraumatic	Reduced complication rates Reduced medical health care costs due to less post-LP complications, medical assistance, and medications Decreased traumatic taps	Decreased flow rates, increased sampling times Increased amount of attempts and failures Penetration through skin is difficult to feel

Abbreviation: G, gauge.