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Spinal Cord Examination (Neurological Function Assessment) – Deferred/Not Performed

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test was intended to evaluate your spinal cord function through a neurological exam of leg reflexes and coordination, but it was not conducted at this time.

Quick summary

["Your spinal cord health was not assessed today."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
69401-8
Short code
Deprecated US Spinal cord Bx needle guide
Synonyms
Deprecated US Spinal cord Bx needle guide
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
us
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What This Test Was Supposed to Do

A spinal cord examination typically involves checking reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination in your legs to assess nerve function. This test was planned to help diagnose conditions like nerve damage, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological issues that may affect leg movement or sensation.

Why It Wasn’t Performed

Your healthcare provider may have decided not to perform this test today due to clinical reasons, such as pending results from other tests, ongoing treatment, or the absence of symptoms that would warrant immediate neurological evaluation.

What to Expect Next

If you have concerns about leg weakness, numbness, or other neurological symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. They may recommend additional tests or follow-up exams to monitor your condition.

Common Reasons for Deferral

Your provider might have deferred this test if you had recent imaging (like an MRI), blood tests, or other evaluations that already provided relevant information about your spinal cord health.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Frequently asked questions

Why might this test have been deferred?
Your healthcare provider may have deferred this test if they had other diagnostic information, such as imaging studies or blood tests, that already addressed suspected neurological concerns. They may also have prioritized other tests based on your symptoms or medical history.
What should I do if I have leg symptoms?
If you experience new or worsening leg symptoms (e.g., weakness, numbness, or balance issues), contact your doctor immediately. They may adjust your care plan or recommend further testing to rule out conditions like nerve damage, spinal stenosis, or other neurological disorders.
Will I need this test again?
Possibly. If your symptoms or medical situation changes, your doctor may schedule this exam or similar evaluations to monitor your spinal cord function.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy