Bone Marrow Aspiration

Bone marrow aspiration is a medical procedure that involves removing a sample of bone marrow from the body for examination or testing.

Purpose

The purpose of bone marrow aspiration is to:

• Diagnose blood disorders, such as anemia, leukemia, or lymphoma
• Monitor the progression of a disease or condition
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment
• Harvest stem cells for transplantation

Procedure

The bone marrow aspiration procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. The patient is positioned on their side or back, and the skin over the hipbone (iliac crest) or breastbone (sternum) is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
2. A local anesthetic is injected into the skin and bone to numb the area.
3. A special needle is inserted through the skin and into the bone marrow cavity.
4. A syringe is attached to the needle, and a sample of bone marrow fluid (aspirate) is withdrawn.
5. The needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding.

Risks and Complications

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with bone marrow aspiration, including:

• Bleeding or bruising at the needle site
• Infection
• Pain or discomfort
• Nerve damage (rare)

Preparation

To prepare for a bone marrow aspiration, patients should:

• Avoid taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications for several days before the procedure
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Plan to have someone drive them home after the procedure, as they may feel drowsy or uncomfortable

Aftercare

After a bone marrow aspiration, patients should:

• Apply pressure to the needle site to stop any bleeding
• Rest for several hours
• Avoid strenuous activities for several days
• Take pain medication as directed by their doctor

Results

The results of a bone marrow aspiration are typically available within a few days to a week after the procedure.

The sample is examined under a microscope, and the results may show:

• Abnormal cells or cell patterns
• Changes in the bone marrow's structure or function
• The presence of cancer cells or other abnormal cells

The doctor will discuss the results with the patient and explain what they mean in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.