The use of a glass manometer for measuring spinal fluid pressures has several disadvantages. The manometer is breakable and awkward to use, especially if it is a two-piece apparatus. Often it is unavailable when needed most, and frequently it is misplaced.
A cheaper, easier, and better method of measuring spinal fluid dynamics employs a standard intravenous tube pack. It is light in weight, unbreakable, readily available, and reliable. Regular intravenous tubing from a sterile pack is inserted into the spinal needle after the tap has been made, and the tube is elevated into a vertical position. The column of cerebral spinal fluid is measured by the doctor as the nurse supports the measuring scale (see figure). Beside being easy to use for the measurement of the cerebral spinal fluid pressure and dynamics (Queckenstedt's method), the tube can be lowered and cerebral spinal fluid can be collected more easily. On completion