A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of soft tissue from inside bone. Bone marrow grows inside some of the larger bones in the body. It produces platelets and red and white blood cells.
Alternative NamesBiopsy - bone marrow
How the test is performedThe bone marrow biopsy may be done in the health care provider's office or in a hospital. The sample is usually taken from the hip bone. The skin is cleansed, and a local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin.
The biopsy needle is then inserted into the bone. The center of the needle is removed and the needle is moved deeper into the bone. This creates a tiny sample, or core, of bone marrow within the needle. The needle is then removed, along with the bone marrow sample. Pressure is applied to the biopsy site to stop bleeding, and a bandage is applied.
An aspirate may also be performed, usually before the biopsy is taken. After the skin is numbed, the aspirate needle is inserted into the bone, and a syringe is used to withdraw the liquid bone marrow. If this is done, the needle will be removed and either repositioned, or another needle may be used for the biopsy.
How to prepare for the testTell the health care provider:
You must sign a consent form.
How the test will feelYou will feel a sharp sting when the numbing medicine is injected. You may feel a brief, sharp pain when the liquid (aspirate) is removed.
The biopsy needle may also cause a brief, usually more dull, pain. Since the inside of the bone cannot be numbed, this test may cause some discomfort. However, not all patients have such pain.
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test if you have abnormal types or numbers of red or white blood cells on a complete blood count. It may also be done to check for other diseases in the bone marrow, (including cancer), or certain types of anemia.
It may also be done to see how well a person responds to treatment for certain cancers.
Normal ValuesThe marrow has normal cells that are the correct types and numbers.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may be due to cancers of the bone marrow (leukemia or Hodgkin's disease).
The results may detect the cause of anemia (too few red blood cells), abnormal white blood cells, or thrombocytopenia (too few platelets).
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Persistent bleeding and infection are rare and can be controlled.
Special considerationsThis test is often performed when there are problems with the various types of blood cells. The person may be at increased risk for bleeding, infection, or other problems.
ReferencesMcPherson RA and Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007:478-481.
Hoffman R, Benz Jr. EJ, Shattil SJ, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingston; 2005:2657.
it is a bone that has a marrow in the middle of the musle that causes the bone to have a marrow biopsy
The bone marrow biopsy is really painful. You will need an anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
The cost of a bone marrow biopsy in the United States is $360. The Philippines offer bone marrow biopsies for 50% less than those done in the United States.
The most common site for a bone marrow biopsy is the posterior iliac crest, which is the back of the hip bone.
R. Bartl has written: 'Biopsy of bone in internal medicine' -- subject(s): Atlases, Biopsy, Bone, Bone Diseases, Bone and Bones, Histopathology, Methods, Pathology 'Bone marrow biopsies revisited' -- subject(s): Bone Marrow Examination, Bone marrow, Cytodiagnosis, Diagnosis, Examination, Hematologic Diseases, Needle biopsy, Neoplasms
Yes, a bone marrow biopsy can determine if the donor and recipient are compatible for a bone marrow transplant. This involves analyzing the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers present in the bone marrow cells of both the donor and recipient to assess compatibility. Matching these markers increases the chances of a successful transplant.
Having extra large red blood cells may indicate a condition called macrocytic anemia, which can be caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, liver disease, or certain medications. A bone marrow biopsy is needed to investigate the underlying cause, such as determining if the bone marrow is producing blood cells effectively or if there are any abnormalities in the bone marrow cells. This helps in diagnosing the specific condition and guiding appropriate treatment.
The doctor may perform a bone marrow biopsy.
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Sore for a few days after it
Anwarul Islam has written: 'Manual of bone marrow examination' -- subject(s): Bone marrow, Biopsy, Examination
Iliac crest