Shunt Tap Procedure

In this procedure, called a shunt tap, the provider inserts a needle into the tube of a shunt or its reservoir to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, or the provider injects a medication or other substance into the CSF. The provider performs this service to measure pressure, test the patency of the shunt device, meaning that it is open and unobstructed, aspirate fluid for diagnosis, or to inject medication or contrast. Choose a location to see hospital-reported price summaries. This page does not show national, sample, or aggregate pricing.