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Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy are two medical procedures employed to collect samples from the bone marrow for further diagnosis. The collected samples give an insight into whether the bone marrow is producing healthy blood cells in normal amounts.
Before procedure
The area where the biopsy needle has to be inserted is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A local anaesthetic or sedative medication is administered to numb the region. You may have to stop taking a few medications before the procedure.
During the procedure
Depending on the requirement, the sample is taken either from the back of the hip bone or the breastbone.
Bone Marrow Aspiration: A large needle is inserted into the bone marrow, and a small amount of liquid bone marrow is removed. You may experience a pulling sensation and some pain.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: A sample of bone marrow tissue is taken from the same area using a different needle.
After the procedure
You will be asked to sit up at the table for a few minutes. There can be numbness in your leg or foot, lightheadedness, or soreness after the procedure.
With its best team of doctors, Manipal Hospitals is the best hospital for Bone Marrow Transplant, Dhakuria.
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy procedures help with the diagnosis of the following medical conditions:
Blood cancers (lymphoma, leukaemia, and myeloma)
Stem cell disorders
Fever from an unknown cause
Genetic disorders
To identify the cause of anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and an abnormal white blood cell count
To identify the extent of cancer spread
To look for infections in the bone marrow
This procedure also helps determine if blood cancer treatment is working and monitor the changes.
Medical professionals who are qualified to perform a Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy are oncologists (cancer specialists), haematologists (specialists in treating blood disorders), and a nurse. This procedure is to be performed in a clinic or hospital setting.
After the sample is collected, the bone marrow cells will be analysed under a microscope in laboratories. The pathologist provides the test result after examination.
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy procedures are not routinely performed. However, when other blood tests, such as a CBC count or blood smear, show abnormalities, a biopsy is ordered.
In cancer patients, the test is prescribed to determine the extent of its spread and the stage of the cancer. Even when the cancer patient undergoes treatment, the test is performed at regular intervals to determine the patient’s response to treatment.
If you are very anxious about the Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy procedure, then you may receive partial or complete sedation. Therefore, this allows you to be more comfortable and experience minimal pain during the procedure.
For most patients, Bone Marrow Aspiration takes around 30 minutes. The patient will have to apply pressure to the area where the needle was inserted.
Patients who received local anaesthesia may resume normal activities within a few hours, whereas those who received intravenous sedation will take longer to recover. Generally, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours.
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy are procedures that involve the collection of bone marrow tissue and fluids to analyse bone marrow cells and structure. The bone marrow cells are responsible for producing blood cells, which include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
The bone marrow tissue has a sponge-like structure and a fibrous network that contains fluid. The fluid in the bone marrow comprises stem cells, blood cells in various stages of maturation, and other substances such as iron, folate, and vitamin B12, which are needed for blood cell production.
Any abnormality present in the bone marrow cells may require further testing. The collected bone marrow samples are sent for other tests like flow cytometry, chromosome analysis, microbiology testing, or molecular testing.
All procedures have specific advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits
Bone Marrow Aspiration helps the doctors determine whether the bone marrow is producing healthy blood cells. Additionally, it guides the doctor during cancer treatment.
Risks
Even though Bone Marrow Aspiration procedures are generally safe, they may produce several risks:
Bleeding
Infection
Allergic reaction to anaesthesia
These adverse reactions are more pronounced in individuals with compromised immune systems.
You may experience a sharp stinging sensation during Bone Marrow Aspiration. However, for most patients, this pain is moderate and bearable. If you have concerns regarding the procedure, you may talk to your healthcare provider.
You may experience some amount of pain for a few days in the area where the needle was inserted. A bandage is placed on the needle insertion area; it must be kept clean and dry for at least 24 hours.
Some individuals experience back pain when they bend, or the pain may extend to the legs. These symptoms resolve within a few days. A few patients also develop bruising in the lower back or buttocks soon after the procedure.
You may have to call or consult your healthcare provider immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
Fever
Excessive bleeding from the biopsy site that cannot be controlled by pressure within 15 minutes
Discharge
Redness or swelling
Warmth
Worsening pain or discomfort
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