Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration
About this test
Bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy are procedures to collect and examine bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside some of your larger bones. Bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy can show whether your bone marrow is healthy and making normal amounts of blood cells. Doctors use these procedures to diagnose and monitor blood and marrow diseases, including some cancers, as well as fevers of unknown origin.
Why it's done
A bone marrow exam offers detailed information about the condition of your bone marrow and blood cells. Your doctor may order a bone marrow exam if blood tests are abnormal or don't provide enough information about a suspected problem. Your doctor may perform a bone marrow exam to: Diagnose a disease or condition involving the bone marrow or blood cells Determine the stage or progression of a disease Determine whether iron levels are adequate Monitor treatment of a disease Investigate a fever of unknown origin A bone marrow exam may be used for many conditions. These include: Anemia Blood cell conditions in which too few or too many of certain types of blood cells are produced, such as leukopenia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, pancytopenia and polycythemia Cancers of the blood or bone marrow, including leukemias, lymphomas and multiple myeloma Cancers that have spread from another area, such as the breast, into the bone marrow Hemochromatosis Fevers of unknown origin
Risks and complications
Bone marrow exams are generally safe procedures. Complications are rare but can include: Excessive bleeding, particularly in people with low numbers of a certain type of blood cell (platelets) Infection, generally of the skin at the site of the exam, especially in people with weakened immune systems Long-lasting discomfort at the bone marrow exam site Rarely, penetration of the breastbone (sternum) during sternal aspirations, which can cause heart or lung problems
How to prepare
Bone marrow exams are often performed on an outpatient basis. Special preparation usually isn't needed. If you'll be receiving a sedative during the bone marrow exam, your doctor may ask you to stop eating and drinking for a period of time before the procedure. You'll also need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home afterward. In addition, you may want to: Tell your doctor about medications and supplements you take. Certain medications and supplements may increase your risk of bleeding after a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Tell your doctor if you're nervous about your procedure. Discuss your worries about the exam with your doctor. In some cases, your doctor may give you a sedative medication before your exam, in addition to a numbing agent (local anesthesia) at the site where the needle is inserted.
What to expect
A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy can be done in a hospital, clinic or doctor's office. The procedures are usually done by a doctor who specializes in blood disorders (hematologist) or cancer (oncologist). But bone marrow exams may also be performed by nurses with special training. The bone marrow exam typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes. Extra time is needed for preparation and post-procedure care, especially if you receive intravenous (IV) sedation.
Understanding your results
The bone marrow samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Your doctor generally gives you the results within a few days, but it may take longer. At the laboratory, a specialist in analyzing biopsies (pathologist or hematopathologist) will evaluate the samples to determine if your bone marrow is making enough healthy blood cells and to look for abnormal cells. The information can help your doctor: Confirm or rule out a diagnosis Determine how advanced a disease is Evaluate whether treatment is working Depending on your results, you may need follow-up tests.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.