What happens after bone marrow aspiration?
Biopsy - bone marrow A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of marrow from inside bone. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. It is found in the hollow part of most bones. Bone marrow biopsy is not the same as bone marrow aspiration. An
aspiration removes a small amount of marrow in liquid form for examination. A small amount of bone marrow is removed during a bone marrow aspiration. The procedure is
uncomfortable, but can be tolerated by both children and adults. The marrow can be studied to determine the cause of anemia, the presence of leukemia or other malignancy, or the presence of some storage diseases, in which abnormal metabolic products are stored in certain bone marrow cells. A bone biopsy is performed by making a small incision into the skin. A biopsy needle retrieves a sample of bone and it is sent for examination. The most common reasons for bone lesion biopsy are to distinguish between benign and malignant bone tumors, and to identify other bone abnormalities. Bone biopsy may also be performed to determine the cause of
bone pain and tenderness. A bone marrow biopsy may be done in the health care provider's office or in a hospital. The sample may be taken from the pelvic or breast bone. Sometimes, another area is used. Marrow is removed in the following steps: A bone marrow aspiration may also be done, usually before the biopsy is taken. After the skin is numbed,
the needle is inserted into the bone, and a syringe is used to withdraw the liquid bone marrow. If this is done, the needle will be removed and repositioned. Or, another needle may be used for the biopsy. Tell the provider: How the Test will FeelYou will feel a sharp sting when the numbing medicine is injected. The biopsy needle may also cause a brief, usually dull, pain. Since the inside of the bone cannot be numbed, this test may cause some discomfort. If a bone marrow aspiration is also done, you may feel a brief, sharp pain as the bone marrow liquid is removed. Why the Test is PerformedYour provider may order this test if you have abnormal types or numbers of red or white blood cells or platelets on a complete blood count (CBC). This test is used to diagnose leukemia, infections, some types of anemia, and other blood disorders. It may also be used to help determine if a cancer has spread or responded to treatment. Normal ResultsA normal result means the bone marrow contains the proper number and types of blood-forming (hematopoietic) cells, fat cells, and connective tissues. What Abnormal Results MeanAbnormal results may be due to cancers of the bone marrow (leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or other cancers). The results may detect the cause of anemia (too few red blood cells), abnormal white blood cells, or thrombocytopenia (too few platelets). Specific conditions for which the test may be performed:
RisksThere may be some bleeding at the puncture site. More serious risks, such as serious bleeding or infection, are very rare. ReferencesBates I, Burthem J. Bone marrow biopsy. In: Bain BJ, Bates I, Laffan MA, eds. Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 7. Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Bone marrow aspiration analysis-specimen (biopsy, bone marrow iron stain, iron stain, bone marrow). In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:241-244. Vajpayee N, Graham SS, Bem S. Basic examination of blood and bone marrow. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 30. Version InfoLast reviewed on: 5/27/2020 Reviewed by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What can I expect after a bone marrow biopsy?Your Recovery
The biopsy site may feel sore for several days. You may have a bruise on the site. It can help to walk, take pain medicine, and put ice packs on the site. You will probably be able to return to work and your usual activities the day after the procedure.
How long does it take to get results from a bone marrow aspiration?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.
What does a nurse do after a bone marrow aspiration?After aspiration, apply direct pressure over the puncture site according to hospital policy for 5 to 10 minutes until bleeding stops. Cover the site with a sterile dressing. Help the patient to a comfortable position. Monitor his vital signs and assess the puncture site for bleeding.
Do you have to stay in hospital after a bone marrow biopsy?A bone marrow biopsy may be done on an outpatient basis. This means you go home the same day. Or you may stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your provider's practices.
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