Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
Bone marrow aspiration removes a small amount of bone marrow fluid through a needle put into a bone. The bone marrow fluid is looked at to see if there are problems with any of the blood cells made in the bone marrow. A bone marrow biopsy removes bone with the marrow inside to look at under a microscope. The biopsy of bone marrow is done first and taking fluid is often done after the biopsy.
Aspiration and biopsy is often done to diagnose many blood disorders and may be used to detect whether a cancer has spread to the bone marrow.
Why It Is Done
A bone marrow aspiration, biopsy, or both are done to:
Look for the cause of the abnormal appearance or abnormal numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets in conditions such as thrombocytopenia. Find blood disorders, such as leukemia, certain anemias, or problems that affect the bone marrow, such as multiple myeloma or polycythemia vera.
Find the best treatment for a bone marrow problem. Once treatment has been started, a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy may be done to see if the treatment is working.
Collect a sample of bone marrow for medical procedures, such as chromosomal analysis. Chromosomal analysis is often done to find the best treatment.
How To Prepare
You will be asked to sign a consent form. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the biopsy, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate. Tell your doctor if you:
- Are taking any medicines.
- Are allergic to any medicine, including anesthetics.
- Have any bleeding problems or take blood-thinners, such as aspirin, heparin, or warfarin (Coumadin).
- Are or might be pregnant.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the biopsy.