Bone Marrow Biopsy

A bone marrow biopsy is a medical procedure that involves removing a small sample of bone marrow from the body for examination under a microscope. The bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside some of the bones in the body, such as the hips and thighbones, which produces blood cells.

Purpose

The purpose of a bone marrow biopsy is to:

• Diagnose and stage blood disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
• Monitor the progression of disease or response to treatment
• Check for abnormal cells in the bone marrow
• Evaluate the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy blood cells

Procedure

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. The patient is given local anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy will be performed, usually the hip or thighbone.
2. A needle is inserted into the bone and a small sample of bone marrow is aspirated (sucked out) using a syringe.
3. A second needle is used to obtain a core biopsy, which involves removing a small cylinder of bone tissue.
4. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.

Risks and Complications

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

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

Preparation

To prepare for a bone marrow biopsy, patients should:

• Avoid taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications for several days before the procedure
• Tell their doctor about any medications they are taking
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the appointment
• Plan to have someone drive them home after the procedure, as they may be given sedation or feel dizzy

After the Procedure

After a bone marrow biopsy, patients should:

• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for several days
• Apply pressure to the site of the biopsy to stop any bleeding
• Take pain medication as directed by their doctor
• Follow up with their doctor to discuss the results of the biopsy and any further treatment that may be needed

Results

The results of a bone marrow biopsy are typically available within several days to a week after the procedure. The doctor will examine the samples under a microscope and look for abnormal cells, such as cancer cells or immature blood cells. The results may indicate:

• A diagnosis of a blood disorder, such as leukemia or lymphoma
• The presence of abnormal cells in the bone marrow
• The effectiveness of treatment for a blood disorder