Name of the Procedure:

Diagnostic Bone Marrow Aspiration(s)

• Common Names: Bone Marrow Biopsy, Bone Marrow Aspiration
• Medical Terms: Aspiration Biopsy of Bone Marrow

Summary

Diagnostic bone marrow aspiration is a medical procedure where a sample of bone marrow is extracted, typically from the hip bone, to diagnose or monitor blood and marrow-related diseases.

Purpose

The procedure helps diagnose diseases affecting the bone marrow and blood, such as leukemia, anemia, and infections. It also assesses the status of the bone marrow during and after chemotherapy.

Indications

• Unexplained anemia or abnormal red/white blood cell counts
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Diagnosis and monitoring of blood cancers
• Evaluation of fever of unknown origin
• Assessment of how well the bone marrow is functioning

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners.
• Fasting may not be necessary, but follow the specific instructions given by the healthcare provider.
• Preliminary blood tests may be required to ensure normal platelet count and clotting function.

Procedure Description

1. The patient lies on their stomach or side.
2. The site (usually the hip bone) is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
3. A hollow needle is inserted into the bone, and a small amount of liquid bone marrow is aspirated into a syringe.
4. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
   • Tools: Aspiration needles, syringes, local anesthetic.
   • Anesthesia: Local anesthetic, sedation for anxiety or discomfort if necessary.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes.

Setting

• Performed in outpatient clinics, hospital procedure rooms, or specialized surgical centers.

Personnel

• Hematologist or oncologist
• Nurse or medical assistant
• Pathologist (for later sample analysis)

Risks and Complications

• Common: Pain at the biopsy site, bleeding, hematoma.
• Rare: Infection, prolonged bleeding, injury to adjacent structures.

Benefits

• Provides crucial information for diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Immediate evaluation can lead to early and targeted intervention.
• Quick procedure with minimal downtime.

Recovery

• Patients may experience soreness for a few days.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can manage discomfort.
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours post-procedure.
• Follow-up appointments to discuss results and next steps.

Alternatives

• Blood tests: Less invasive but may not provide as detailed information.
• Imaging tests: Can show abnormalities but cannot diagnose specific marrow conditions.
• Pros: Less invasive, no recovery time.
• Cons: May miss crucial diagnostic information provided by direct marrow sampling.

Patient Experience

• The patient might feel brief, intense pressure during aspiration.
• Post-procedure soreness is common but manageable with analgesics.
• Supportive measures, such as guided relaxation or sedation, can enhance comfort.