Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside the bones where blood cells are made.During Bone Marrow Biopsy ( actual10 min procedure), a small tissue sample is taken usually from hip bone and sent for investigations to reveal if the bone marrow is making enough healthy cells. 

WHY IS A BONE MARROW BIOPSY DONE? 

• to check for blood diseases- anaemia,or a low red blood cell count
• to check for genetic blood diseases - hemochromatosis, etc
• to check for blood or bone cancers-leukaemia or lymphomas
• to check for bone marrow diseases- myelofibrosis or myelodysplastic syndrome
• to check for blood cell conditions-leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or polycythemia
• to keep a tab on the progression and staging of cancer 
• to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and diagnosis of infections

Before the Test 

Inform the Doctor

• about ongoing medicines or over the counter medicines, vitamins, etc 
• if allergic to any foods, medicines 
• any bleeding disorders 
• any prevailing health conditions,surgeries
• if pregnant 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING BONE MARROW BIOPSY? 

• patient changes into a hospital gown
• receives counseling to ease anxiety 
• blood pressure and heart beat readings taken
• a sedative or pain medicine given
• patient to lie on respective side or on stomach
• site is injected with numbing medicine 
• the doctor inserts a needle through the skin into bone
• patient might feel some pressure and pain that often lasts only a few seconds
• a small tissue sample is removed by the doctor 
• needle is taken out
• a bandage is wrapped on the site

After the Test

• patient needs to rest for 15-20 minutes

• nurse monitors the  bandage for any signs of bleeding
• patient might feel a slight bruising or mild discomfort
• painkillers are prescribed  to manage the pain, if any
• incision wound shall require caring for the next 24 hours
• avoid strenuous activities for 01-02 days
• bandage can be removed the day after biopsy
• test results are sent to the doctor after 01-03 weeks

INTERPRETATION 

Abnormal results may be due to cancer, infection, or other bone marrow disease. Doctor may order more tests to confirm a diagnosis. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

The doctor must be immediately consulted if :  

-drainage from the wound

-fever

-excess bleeding

-increasing pain

-swelling

- pain going down the leg

Rare Risk Factors of Bone Marrow Biopsy include : hemorrhage, excessive bleeding, 

allergic reaction to anesthesia, infection