i would want to make sure that the facility i go to has experienced board certified radiologists who will do the LP. and the use of floroscopy is a must so the dr can see where the needle is.

your other Q's i can't answer. testing for MS is as much for exclusion and inclusion as diagnostic tools.

there's something called the MacDonald Criteria that drs use when giving a dx (diagnosis) of MS. maybe someone can give you the link for that.

good luck with the test. get a copy of the test results for your medical file. if you sign a release when you're there they may be able to send it in the mail. if you give them a self addressed stamped envelope that may expedite things more.