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Bone marrow biopsy is a diagnostic procedure typically performed in an outpatient setting, though it may occasionally take place in an operating room. The procedure generally involves the following steps:
1. Preparation: In consultation with the patient, a decision is made regarding the use of local anesthesia or sedation. The patient is then positioned either prone or on their side on the examination table. Prior to starting the procedure, the patient's blood pressure and pulse are monitored. The area for biopsy and aspiration is exposed, and the surrounding regions are covered with sterile drapes.
2. Site Selection: The biopsy is most commonly performed on the most prominent part of the iliac crest of the pelvic bone.
3. Procedure: No surgical incision is made. A specialized needle is carefully advanced through the skin and subcutaneous tissue to reach the bone. Once the needle penetrates the bone and enters the marrow cavity, the stylet (inner piercing part) is removed.
4. Bone Marrow Aspiration: A syringe is attached to the needle, and a sample of liquid bone marrow (aspirate) is drawn into a collection tube. This step is called bone marrow aspiration.
5. Bone Marrow Biopsy: Following the aspiration, the needle is advanced further into the marrow cavity to obtain a solid tissue sample. A small core of bone marrow tissue enters the needle's lumen and is then collected.
6. Post-Procedure Care: The risk of bleeding after the biopsy is generally very low. To minimize and stop any bleeding, pressure is applied to the needle insertion site. The collected aspirate and tissue samples are then sent to the pathology laboratory for examination.
7. Recovery: If sedation was administered, the patient is observed for approximately one hour post-procedure. Patients are usually able to walk out of the hospital, as an overnight stay is typically not required.
How is a bone marrow biopsy performed?
1. Preparation: In consultation with the patient, a decision is made regarding the use of local anesthesia or sedation. The patient is then positioned either prone or on their side on the examination table. Prior to starting the procedure, the patient's blood pressure and pulse are monitored. The area for biopsy and aspiration is exposed, and the surrounding regions are covered with sterile drapes.
2. Site Selection: The biopsy is most commonly performed on the most prominent part of the iliac crest of the pelvic bone.
3. Procedure: No surgical incision is made. A specialized needle is carefully advanced through the skin and subcutaneous tissue to reach the bone. Once the needle penetrates the bone and enters the marrow cavity, the stylet (inner piercing part) is removed.
4. Bone Marrow Aspiration: A syringe is attached to the needle, and a sample of liquid bone marrow (aspirate) is drawn into a collection tube. This step is called bone marrow aspiration.
5. Bone Marrow Biopsy: Following the aspiration, the needle is advanced further into the marrow cavity to obtain a solid tissue sample. A small core of bone marrow tissue enters the needle's lumen and is then collected.
6. Post-Procedure Care: The risk of bleeding after the biopsy is generally very low. To minimize and stop any bleeding, pressure is applied to the needle insertion site. The collected aspirate and tissue samples are then sent to the pathology laboratory for examination.
7. Recovery: If sedation was administered, the patient is observed for approximately one hour post-procedure. Patients are usually able to walk out of the hospital, as an overnight stay is typically not required.