WHAT IS BONE MARROW ASPIRATION AND BIOPSY?
A Bone Marrow Aspiration and a Bone Marrow Biopsy are two different procedures that are often done together and are referred to as a Bone Marrow Examination. The procedures are done to collect and examine the bone marrow - the spongy tissue inside the bigger bones of our bodies that produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
The examination shows whether the bone marrow is healthy and making normal amounts of blood cells. Doctors use these procedures to diagnose and monitor blood and marrow diseases, including some cancers.
The bone marrow has a fluid portion and a more solid portion. In bone marrow biopsy, the doctor uses a needle to withdraw a sample of the solid portion, and in bone marrow aspiration, a needle is used to withdraw a sample of the fluid portion.
WHY ARE THE TWO PROCEDURES DONE?
The two procedures offer detailed information about the condition of the bone marrow and blood cells.
A doctor orders a bone marrow exam to:
- Diagnose a disease or condition involving the bone marrow or blood cells
- Determine the stage or progression of a disease
- Check iron levels and metabolism
- Monitor treatment of a disease
- Investigate a fever of unknown origin
WHO DOES THE PROCEDURE AND HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE?
A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy can be done in a hospital or a clinic and are usually done by a doctor who specialises in blood disorders and/ or cancer – a haematologist and/ or a haemato-oncologist.
The bone marrow exam typically takes about 10 minutes and the total time for the procedure is about 30 minutes including the time needed for preparation and post-procedure care.
WHAT BONE IS USED TO SAMPLE THE BONE MARROW?
The most frequent site for obtaining bone marrow is the pelvic bone. A portion of this bone is readily accessible in most people from the lower back and is usually marked by shallow dimples on either side of the spine.
Other possible sites include the front of the pelvic bone near the groin and the sternum at the front of the chest. However, the sternum is sampled only for aspiration and done in individuals older than 12 years of age. In infants (younger than 1 year of age), the tibia (shinbone) is sampled.
IS A BONE MARROW EXAM NECESSARY?
Yes, in fact, a bone marrow biopsy is the ONLY definite way for a doctor or a Haematologist (a doctor specialising in blood disorders) to detect or determine uncommon conditions such as various types of blood cancers, among others.