Bone marrow biopsy
Description bone marrow biopsy
Bone marrow biopsy – selecting a sample of bone marrow. The sample is sent for analysis. The procedure is most often done on the pelvic bone, but it can also be formed on the sternum.
Reasons for performing a bone marrow biopsy
Bone marrow biopsy may be performed, that:
- Find the cause of the low number of red blood cells (anemia), low white blood cell count (leukopenia), or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia);
- To diagnose the stage of lymphoma (tumor of lymphoid tissue) or to determine the extent of the tumor;
- To diagnose and evaluate the degree of leukemia;
- Rate problems with iron levels;
- To study the expansion of the spleen (splenomegaly);
- Rate other blood disorders.
Possible complications when performing a bone marrow biopsy
Complications are rare, but no procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. Before, how to perform a bone marrow biopsy, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:
- Infection;
- Bleeding.
Some risk factors for complications during this procedure include:
- Impaired blood flow;
- Infection of the skin at the biopsy site;
- Blood Infection;
- Previous radiation therapy to the biopsy site;
- Severe osteoporosis.
How is bone marrow biopsy?
Preparation for the procedure
The doctor may perform a physical exam and order blood tests.
It may be necessary to stop taking some medicines:
- Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
Blood thinners, eg, clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin.
Anesthesia
During the procedure, local anesthesia is used. Field sampling of bone marrow anesthetized.
Procedure bone marrow biopsy
Examinee can give sedative. This will help him relax and calm down. The area is cleaned and anesthetized biopsy.
Biopsy needle is inserted into the bone thus, the sample of bone marrow went into the hollow area of the needle. Doctor, perhaps, must use the pressure and rock the needle. After, as the sample of bone marrow is in the needle, it will be removed. Areas puncture pressed, and applied a bandage on it.
Immediately after treatment
Bone marrow sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
How long will the procedure?
About 30 minutes
Will it hurt during a bone marrow biopsy?
Injection of anesthesia may cause burning. When needle biopsy swing, may sense pressure and / or pain. After the biopsy, the patient may feel pain in the selection of the sample for a few hours.
Care after bone marrow biopsy procedures
Daily activities can begin immediately after the procedure. If you use a sedative, must refrain from driving a vehicle and using machinery for 24 hours.
It is necessary to go to the hospital in the following cases
- There were signs of infection, including fever and chills;
- Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding or any discharge from the incision;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Joint pain, fatigue, constraint, rash or other symptoms;
- Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.
