Bone Marrow Aspiration or Biopsy

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are two medical procedures used to examine the bone marrow for any abnormalities. The bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside bones, where blood cells are produced. A bone marrow aspiration involves the removal of a small sample of liquid bone marrow through a needle, while a bone marrow biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of solid bone marrow tissue using a larger needle.

The purpose of a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy is to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect blood cells or bone marrow, such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or anemia. These procedures may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions or to detect infections or other disorders that affect the bone marrow.

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are typically performed in a hospital or clinic setting, and the patient may receive a local anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure. The healthcare provider will use a thin needle to collect a small sample of bone marrow, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes and is generally considered safe, although there is a small risk of bleeding, infection, or damage to nearby organs or tissues. After the procedure, the patient may experience some pain or discomfort at the site of the biopsy, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.