88237 Tissue culture for neoplastic disorders; bone marrow, blood cells

Name of the Procedure:

Tissue Culture for Neoplastic Disorders; Bone Marrow, Blood Cells

Summary

Tissue culture for neoplastic disorders involves taking a sample of bone marrow or blood cells to grow and study them outside the body. This helps in diagnosing and understanding blood-related cancers and other disorders.

Purpose

This procedure is used to diagnose and evaluate neoplastic disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It aims to identify abnormal cells and monitor response to treatment.

Indications

• Symptoms like unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, or bruising
• Abnormal blood test results indicating potential blood disorders
• Follow-up on previous diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers

Preparation

• Fasting may be required for a few hours before the procedure.
• Patients need to inform the doctor of any medications or supplements they are taking.
• Blood tests and imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans may be conducted beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. The patient lies down, and the site where the sample will be taken is cleaned.
2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
3. A needle is inserted into the bone (usually the hip) or a vein to collect the marrow or blood cells.
4. The sample is then placed in a culture medium to allow cell growth.
5. The cultured cells are analyzed in a laboratory over several days.

Duration

The sample collection usually takes about 30 minutes, but cultivating and analyzing cells can take several days.

Setting

The procedure is typically performed in a hospital or an outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Hematologist or Oncologist
• Nurse or Medical Technician
• Pathologist for examining the cultured cells

Risks and Complications

• Common: Mild pain, bleeding, or bruising at the puncture site.
• Rare: Infection, prolonged bleeding, or nerve damage.
• Management involves pain relievers and antibiotics if needed.

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of blood-related neoplastic disorders.
• Helps in planning treatment and monitoring progress.
• Early detection can improve treatment outcomes.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care includes keeping the site clean and dry.
• Pain and discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Most patients can resume normal activities within a day but should avoid strenuous exercises for a few days.
• Follow-up visits may be required to discuss results and treatment plans.

Alternatives

• Blood tests
• Bone marrow biopsy without culture
• Imaging studies like PET scans
• Each alternative varies in invasiveness and diagnostic value.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: Some discomfort or pressure may be felt during needle insertion.
• After the procedure: Mild soreness at the collection site, typically manageable with pain relievers. Overall, the discomfort is minimal and temporary.