Coagulopathy (eg, international normalized ratio [INR] > 1.5, including therapeutic anticoagulation; thrombocytopenia [< 50, 000 / mcL, 50 x 10 9 / L], or pathologically increased activated partial thromboplastin time), which can lead to spinal hematoma from lumbar puncture: Consider correcting prior to procedure. † Cardiopulmonary insufficiency or respiratory distress, which can be exacerbated by recumbent positioning during lumbar puncture Anatomic abnormalities at the insertion site (eg, spinal fusion, laminectomy, congenital anomalies) Bacteremia has not been shown to predispose to meningitis after lumbar puncture and thus is not a contraindication.