Bone Marrow Aspiration

• Bone marrow aspiration is a diagnostic test involving the removal of a small sample of liquid bone marrow.
• It is primarily performed to diagnose and monitor blood disorders, certain cancers, and infections affecting the bone marrow.
• The procedure typically involves local anesthesia and collection of marrow, usually from the hip bone.
• Common side effects include pain and bruising at the aspiration site, with rare risks like infection or significant bleeding.

What is Bone Marrow Aspiration and Why It’s Done

So, what is bone marrow aspiration? It is a medical procedure where a small sample of the liquid part of the bone marrow is removed for examination. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found inside certain bones, responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Analyzing this sample can reveal abnormalities in blood cell production and detect the presence of various diseases.

Understanding why is bone marrow aspiration performed is key to appreciating its diagnostic value. Physicians often recommend this procedure to diagnose and stage certain cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It is also vital for investigating unexplained anemia, low platelet counts, or abnormal white blood cell counts. Furthermore, it can identify bone marrow infections, assess iron stores, or monitor the effectiveness of treatment for blood disorders. According to the American Cancer Society, bone marrow tests are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring many types of blood cancers.

The Bone Marrow Aspiration Procedure Explained

The bone marrow aspiration procedure explained involves several steps, typically performed in an outpatient setting. The patient usually lies on their stomach or side. The most common site for aspiration is the posterior iliac crest, which is the back of the hip bone. The area is thoroughly cleaned, and a local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin and the surface of the bone, minimizing discomfort during the procedure. This ensures the patient experiences little to no pain during the sample collection.

Once the area is numb, a specialized hollow needle is carefully inserted through the skin and into the bone. The inner core (stylet) of the needle is removed, and a syringe is attached. The clinician then pulls back on the syringe plunger, creating suction to draw a small amount of liquid bone marrow into the syringe. Patients may feel a brief, sharp pulling sensation or pressure as the marrow is aspirated. After the sample is collected, the needle is withdrawn, and pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding, followed by a sterile dressing.

Bone Marrow Aspiration Risks and Side Effects

While generally safe, it’s important to be aware of the potential bone marrow aspiration side effects risks. The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at the aspiration site, which can range from mild soreness to a dull ache and may last for a few days. Bruising is also very common due to the needle insertion and typically resolves within a week or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort, and applying a cold pack can reduce swelling and bruising.

Less common but more serious risks include infection at the aspiration site, which can be minimized by strict sterile techniques. Excessive bleeding, particularly in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications, is another rare risk. Nerve damage or bone fracture are extremely rare complications. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience severe pain, persistent bleeding, fever, chills, or increasing redness and swelling at the site, as these could indicate an infection or other complication.