Bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy are different procedures that are often performed together....the two procedures together are also known as "bone marrow evaluation".

Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside large bones that produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

In aspiration, a sample of the fluid part of the bone marrow is removed using a needle. In sampling - which is done with a needle - a smaller, more solid part of the bone marrow is removed.

Tissue is often taken from the back of the hip bone.

See more: Hematology specialist list

Why is a bone marrow biopsy necessary?

A doctor may order such tests for one or more reasons, including that he may want to:

• Diagnosis of a disease or disorder that affects the bone marrow or blood cells
• Get to the disease stage
• Determine the success rate of a treatment
• Check the person's iron level
• Check for fever when the cause is unknown

What preparation is required for a bone marrow biopsy?

Nothing special is required before the tests, but it is important to share some information with your doctor... If you are allergic to any of the following:

• Chlorhexidine, which is used in disinfectants
• Local anesthesia (medications used to numb areas of the body to prevent pain)
• Latex (a type of rubber)
• adhesives, such as duct tape

Also, if you are taking medications to treat or prevent blood clots — or to prevent a heart attack or stroke — you may want to talk to your GCORP LLC hematologist about when to stop taking them before the tests.

See more: What is the cause of osteoporosis?

What happens during the aspiration process?

You will likely lie on your stomach and face down or on your side during the tests.... Bone marrow samples are taken from the back of the hip bone... Here's the sequence of events that happens:

1. Medical assistants check their blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature to make sure they are healthy.
2. If you have already requested housing, you will receive it a few minutes before the first step.
3. An assistant uses an antiseptic to clean the skin at the needle site.
4. You will receive medicine to help numb the area.

5- To perform an aspiration, the doctor inserts a needle into the bone....you may feel pressure....then takes a small amount of bone marrow fluid through the needle....when the bone marrow is removed, you may feel a little pain or shooting that extends down the leg.

Read more: Low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia).. Is it dangerous?

6. A slightly larger needle is used to take the sample... this needle is inserted in the same place as before and a small core of the bone marrow is taken... you may also feel some pressure during this process.
7. After finishing both methods, a small bandage is placed at the place where the needles enter.

These two procedures together usually take about 10 minutes, and the whole process takes about 30 minutes.

Tests related to aspiration

Sometimes other tests are done first and the results are abnormal, causing the doctor to order a bone marrow aspiration and sampling. These tests include:

• Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC)
• Blood smear (which evaluates blood cells and platelets)

What can we expect in the future

Immediately after doing this process you may have the following feelings:

• Feel light in your head for a few minutes
• You have a little numbness in the leg or foot on the side that underwent this operation
• The place where the needles enter the skin hurts

Learn more: Quarantine period after bone marrow transplant

After returning home after this process:

• Avoid aspirin or products containing aspirin for 24 hours.
• Do not take a bath or shower for at least 24 hours.
• Talk to your doctor about when to start blood thinners again.
• Keep your band for 24 hours.
• In case of bleeding, press the needle entry site.

When will the results be ready?.. What is the purpose of this work?

Bone marrow samples are sent to the laboratory for evaluation by a specialist. Your doctor can receive your results within a few days, but it may take longer.. Lab information will help your doctor:

• Reject or confirm the diagnosis
• Be aware of the advanced nature of the disease
• Decide on the most effective treatment

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