# Skin biopsy vs. lumbar puncture for CIDP diagnosis

**URL:** <https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/skin-biopsy-vs-lumbar-puncture-for-cidp-diagnosis/1078>\
**Category:** General CIDP Discussion\
**Created:** [February 29, 2016, 3:35am UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/skin-biopsy-vs-lumbar-puncture-for-cidp-diagnosis/1078 "2016-02-29T03:35:24Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![PeregrineFalcon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e5b9ba/32.png) [@PeregrineFalcon](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/PeregrineFalcon)\
**Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 3:35am UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/skin-biopsy-vs-lumbar-puncture-for-cidp-diagnosis/1078/1 "2016-02-29T03:35:24Z")

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Hello. I have a quick question. My neurologist diagnosed me with CIDP with EMG and skin biopsy, and I receive weekly IVIg treatments. However, my friend’s neurologist is using EMG and lumbar puncture for diagnostic purposes. Why do some neurologists chose lumbar picture over skin biopsy or vice versa?

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**Author:** ![PeregrineFalcon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e5b9ba/32.png) [@PeregrineFalcon](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/PeregrineFalcon)\
**Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 3:36am UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/skin-biopsy-vs-lumbar-puncture-for-cidp-diagnosis/1078/2 "2016-02-29T03:36:55Z")

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Sorry. That ‘picture’ is puncture. :))

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**Author:** ![roland](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/roland/32/979_2.png) [@roland](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/roland)\
**Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 6:23pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/skin-biopsy-vs-lumbar-puncture-for-cidp-diagnosis/1078/3 "2016-02-29T18:23:51Z")

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Not really sure. I basically had an emg and a blood test and almost a spinal tap but he decided I didn't need the spinal tap that he had enough info to determine CIDP.