Bone marrow is a smooth, rubbery material that exists within bones and creates new blood cells. Bone marrow creates white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, so bone marrow health is essential to fight diseases in the body, as well as function properly. Physicians typically collect bone marrow samples to examine the presence of cancer. Because bone marrow is within the bones, physicians tend to use this biopsy method for cancers that impact the bones such as lymphomas, leukemias, and myeloma.
There are two different methods for collecting bone marrow samples, including bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow trephine biopsy. Both methods collect bone marrow samples through the back of the hip bone or breast bone and are conducted by an oncologist, hematologist, or another trained technologist. A bone marrow biopsy or aspiration are conducted for numerous reasons, including:
Discover the presence of cancer
Discover the presence of blood disorders such as leukemia, anemias, multiple myeloma, or polycythemia vera
Find infections or tumors
Help discover the best course of treatment for the patient
Stem cell transplantation or chromosomal analysis
Here, we’ll provide an overview of different biopsy methods and information on the overall procedure. Our biorepository provides bone marrow samples from healthy patients that have been collected and store by licensed and certified health professionals. Learn more about our bone marrow samples and order today.
Bone Marrow Aspiration
Bone marrow aspiration is conducted when a doctor or specialized nurse collects the liquid bone marrow in one piece. The health care professional conducting the test will inject a needle with a tube attached to it, which will then collect a small sample of bone marrow fluids. These fluids are sent to a laboratory and examined under a microscope. The cells are analyzed for blood disorders to discover cancer or infection that has spread to the bone marrow.
Bone Marrow Trephine Biopsy
A bone marrow biopsy differs from aspiration by collecting a solid sample of bone marrow as well as a liquid sample. After the liquid sample is collected (in the same manner it is collected during an aspiration), a hollowed needle is injected. This hollow needle is moved deeper into the bone and collects a tiny sample bone with the marrow inside.
What to Expect During a Bone Marrow Examination
A bone marrow biopsy or aspiration is conducted by a physician that specializes in blood disorders or cancer. In some instances, a specialized nurse will conduct the test. While the bone marrow exam usually takes about 10 minutes to complete, however, the preparation and post-procedure care can take longer. You can expect to lay on your stomach or side on top of an examination table or hospital bed. If needed, they will provide sedation to help calm you and will numb the site of the test. Your medical professional will give you instructions on caring for yourself after the procedure.
Potential Risks
After your procedure, it’s normal to feel some discomfort or pain from the needle insertion site. Some people may feel pain down the back of their leg, and mild bruising is often seen as well.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, however, contact your doctor.
Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit
Bleeding that does not easily stop
Unusual discharge from the needle insertion site
Pain that doesn’t go away at the needle insertion site
Don’t be scared to ask your doctor questions before your procedure. They can provide you the information needed and any specifics about the procedure.
Resources:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/tests/bone-marrow-test
https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/tests-and-procedures/bone-marrow-aspiration-and-biopsy
