The role of bone marrow biopsies

This is an automatically translated article.

Bone marrow biopsy is a procedure that removes a sample of soft tissue in the bone to examine the bone marrow and the blood cells present in the bone marrow. Bone marrow biopsy contributes to the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases related to disorders of the hematopoietic system and even cancerous diseases.

1. Bone marrow biopsy

Bone marrow biopsy, also known as spinal biopsy, is an indicated test if the patient's blood test results show an abnormal change in the levels of platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells in the body. could be too high or too low. A bone marrow biopsy is done at the hip bone site. It is thanks to a marrow biopsy that will explain the causes of the above abnormalities, including:
Anemia due to low red blood cell count Bone marrow diseases such as primary myelofibrosis, myeloproliferative disorders Pathology related to the hematopoietic system such as leukocytes, thrombocytopenia, polycythemia Eating Infection, fever of unknown cause. In addition to the purpose of finding the above pathological causes, a bone marrow biopsy is also done to:
Diagnose diseases related to bone marrow and blood cells Determine the stage of cancer Control iron levels as well as blood cells. our body's metabolism Monitor and control responses to disease treatment Since a bone marrow biopsy is an invasive procedure, it can also carry certain risks and complications , including:
Heavy bleeding, especially in patients with low platelet counts Infection, especially in patients with weakened immune systems Discomfort and pain at the biopsy site Patient may be allergic to anesthetics Sedation complications such as heart rhythm

2. Bone marrow biopsy procedure

2.1 Preparation before performing a bone marrow biopsy Usually a patient does not need to prepare much before a bone marrow biopsy procedure, but there are also small notes as follows:
Notice to the doctor administers the drugs or supplements that you are currently taking. Report your medical history, especially the history of bleeding disorders. Inform your doctor about allergies, body sensitivities potential for dressings, anesthetics, and chemicals Inform your doctor about the possibility that you are or will become pregnant if the patient is a woman Inform your doctor of any desire or need for medications to reduce discomfort. anxiety and stress about performing a bone marrow biopsy Get enough rest the night before the procedure Follow your doctor's instructions and instructions before performing a bone marrow biopsy Patient may be indicated for the use of sedation combined with local anesthetic. 2.2 Bone marrow biopsy procedure The bone marrow biopsy procedure includes the following steps:
Before the marrow biopsy, the patient should have their heart rate checked and blood pressure measured. Because this procedure can be painful, your doctor will apply a local anesthetic to the area to be biopsied. If the patient is worried that he will be given an intravenous anesthetic, anesthesia may be complete or partial during the bone marrow biopsy The doctor makes a small incision and uses a special needle to through the skin to the bone and then using a special needle while rotating the needle to perform the extraction of a sample of bone tissue and marrow. A bone marrow biopsy sample is obtained from the apex of the posterior iliac crest or possibly anteriorly of the hip. During this stage, the patient will probably feel a dull pain when the needle reaches the bone area. After taking the sample, the doctor will pull out the needle and gently press on the area where the tissue sample was taken to stop the bleeding. The doctor disinfects the punctured area with alcohol and covers the wound with a sterile bandage. 2.3 Precautions after performing a bone marrow biopsy The notes after a bone marrow biopsy procedure are performed include:
If under local anesthesia, the patient is placed on his or her back for 10 minutes up to 15 minutes and apply gentle pressure on the area where the marrow biopsy was performed. The patient can then go home and resume normal activities If the patient is under general anesthesia, the patient will be taken to a recovery area and rested for 24 hours If the patient feels pain during 1 week or even longer, you can tell your doctor to prescribe pain medication. Bandage the site where the marrow biopsy was performed and keep the wound dry for 24 hours. Do not shower and soak in a tub or swim, especially do not take a hot bath When there are abnormal signs such as bleeding through the bandage, prolonged fever, pain, swelling at the needle puncture site, unusual discharge You should contact your doctor for prompt treatment.

3. Conclusion

A bone marrow biopsy is a test that can take a long time to produce results. This type of test aims to check that the bone marrow is working properly, and also shows conditions such as cancer, hematopoietic system disease, and bone marrow disease. The doctor will use the results of the bone marrow biopsy to make diagnoses, treat as well as monitor the patient's treatment process.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.