Bone Marrow Aspiration
Bone marrow is the spongy soft tissue found within the interior of bones. Bone marrow contains necessary blood-forming cells (stem cells), connective tissues and fat cells. Bone marrow aspiration is a diagnostic procedure that involves removing a small amount of fluid from the bone marrow tissue for examination.
Bone marrow aspiration may be performed to detect a blood disorder such as anemia or to determine the presence of certain forms of cancer such as lymphoma or leukemia. During this procedure, the sample of bone marrow is removed from either the pelvic or breast bone. In some cases, bone marrow aspiration may be performed in multiple locations throughout the body, to collect a larger quantity of bone marrow for use in medical procedures such as a stem cell transplant. Following a bone marrow aspiration, a bone marrow biopsy may also be conducted.
The Bone Marrow Aspiration Procedure
During bone marrow aspiration, the patient is given a local anesthetic to numb the targeted area, and a sedative may be offered to help promote relaxation. Bone marrow is commonly removed from the back of the pelvic bone or occasionally from the breastbone, or sternum. An aspiration needle is inserted through the skin and guided far back within the bone to reach the marrow fluid. The needle draws the fluid into a tube and when the necessary amount is acquired, the needle is withdrawn.
A bone marrow biopsy is often performed following bone marrow aspiration. Once the aspiration is complete and the needle has been removed, a larger biopsy needle is inserted deep into the bone to remove a sample of the bone with the marrow inside. After the sample is taken, the area will be covered with a bandage, and the bone marrow fluid and tissue are analyzed by microscope in a laboratory. An evaluation of the bone marrow fluid can help confirm the presence of a blood disorder or cancer of the bone marrow, and also help determine whether the cancer has spread. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Patients should be accompanied by another person, as driving is not recommended after the procedure.
Recovery from Bone Marrow Aspiration
The recovery time associated with bone marrow aspiration is generally minimal. Patients may experience tenderness and inflammation in the area of the aspiration, and pain medication may be necessary. Applying ice to the aspiration site for several days afterward, may also ease any discomfort. The majority of patients are able to return to their normal daily activities following a day or two of recovery.
Risks of Bone Marrow Aspiration
Serious complications from a bone marrow aspiration are rare. However, complications may arise if a patient has allergies or is taking certain medications such as blood thinners. Therefore, it is essential to provide the doctor with this information prior to the procedure. Potential risks associated with a bone marrow aspiration include:
- Bleeding at the puncture site
- A slight burning sensation
- Sharp pain
- Mild discomfort
- Bruising
- Osteomyelitis, an infection of the skin or bone at the biopsy site
- Tenderness or swelling at the biopsy site
- Fever
While extremely rare, there is also a risk of Injury to the heart, lungs or blood vessels, when bone marrow samples are taken from the breastbone.
Bone Marrow Aspiration Results
The results of a bone marrow aspiration are typically available within one week. Normal results of a bone marrow aspiration show no signs of infection or malignant cells. Conversely, abnormal results may show infection of the bone marrow, iron deficiency in the bone marrow, cancerous cell growth or a bone marrow cell deficiency. These test results are used to make an appropriate diagnosis, determine the progression of a disease, or evaluate how effectively a particular treatment is working.