What is bone marrow aspiration and biopsy?

A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are procedures used to collect and examine bone marrow samples. This is done to determine the bone marrow's health and assess blood cell production. It is commonly performed to diagnose and monitor blood and marrow diseases, including certain types of cancer. Bone marrow aspiration involves removing a small amount of liquid bone marrow using a thin needle, usually from the back of the hipbone. At the same time, a bone marrow biopsy is done to extract a small piece of bone tissue and the enclosed marrow. The samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis, where specialists evaluate the bone marrow's cell production and look for abnormal cells. The results of the bone marrow exam can help confirm a diagnosis, assess disease progression, and monitor treatment efficacy. The procedure is generally safe, although rare complications, such as bleeding or infection, can occur. It is typically done outpatient, and special preparation is usually not required. Results are generally available within a few days, helping guide further treatment decisions. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance regarding your condition. If you're looking for a reputable cancer hospital in Jaipur that offers bone marrow biopsy and aspiration, Apex Hospitals is renowned for its cancer treatment and research expertise.

Why is it done?

A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are typically performed when there's suspicion of an issue in blood cell production. This procedure involves collecting blood and bone marrow samples for examination by a specialist known as a pathologist in a laboratory setting. The pathologist evaluates the bone marrow for various conditions, including:

1. Unexplained anemia (low red blood cell count)

2. Abnormal levels of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets)

3. Iron deficiency

4. Blood-related cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma

5. Metastatic cancers that have spread to the bone marrow

6. Response to chemotherapy

Your healthcare provider may also suggest a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy for other reasons.

Procedure Details

Generally, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are done in an outpatient setting. No special preparation is made for the procedure.

However, if you are scheduled to receive a sedative during the procedure, your doctor

might advise you to refrain from eating and drinking for a specified period before the exam. Additionally, you'll need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterwards.

Here are some additional steps you may want to take:

1. Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking. Certain drugs and supplements could heighten the risk of bleeding following the bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

2. Express any concerns or anxieties about the procedure to your doctor. They can address your worries and may prescribe a sedative medication to help you relax before the exam. Additionally, they may administer local anaesthesia at the insertion site to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

Bone marrow aspiration is typically the initial step in the process. During this procedure, a doctor or nurse creates a small incision in the skin and then inserts a hollow needle through the bone and into the bone marrow.

Using a syringe attached to the needle, they withdraw a sample of the liquid portion of the bone marrow. You may experience a brief, sharp pain or stinging sensation. The aspiration process is usually completed within a few minutes, and multiple samples may be taken if necessary.

Afterwards, the healthcare team assesses the sample to ensure it's adequate. When fluid cannot be withdrawn, the needle may be repositioned for another attempt.

Following the aspiration, a bone marrow biopsy is performed. In this procedure, a larger needle is used to extract a solid bone marrow tissue sample. The biopsy needle is specially designed to collect a core or cylindrical sample of bone marrow.

What happens after the procedure?

After the needle insertion, pressure will be applied to the area to halt bleeding, followed by placing a bandage.

If local anaesthesia is administered, you will be instructed to lie on your back for approximately 10 to 15 minutes while applying pressure to the biopsy site. Following this, you can resume your daily activities, returning to normal when you feel comfortable.

For those who received IV sedation, a recovery period in a designated area will be necessary. It is advisable to arrange for someone to drive your home and take it easy for 24 hours.

After the procedure, expect some tenderness at the biopsy site for a week or more. Consult your doctor about the use of pain relievers.