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Anesthesia Coding Alert

Blood Patch Basics:

FAQs About Epidural Blood Patches

Published on Tue May 17, 2005

Brush up with these fundamental facts

Q: What is an epidural blood patch?

A: The provider performs an epidural blood patch following a spinal puncture to prevent spinal fluid leakage. The patient remains in a spinal tap position. The patient's blood is injected outside the dura to clot and plug the wound, preventing spinal fluid leakage. The wound is dressed and monitored. Q: Who administers epi blood patches?

A: Some practices only allow physicians to provide this service, but others allow CRNAs to perform epi blood patches. Specific guidelines depend on the individual group, hospital standards and the state's board standards related to procedures that CRNAs may perform. Q: When do providers administer epi patches?

A: Epidural blood patches can be performed with some frequency in the emergency department after  spinal/lumbar puncture procedures or after spinal/epidural cases when the patient has a PDPH (post dural puncture headache) reaction.
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