How long does it take to get bone marrow biopsy results?

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What is a Bone Marrow biopsy?

Bone marrow is a part of the long bones which is responsible for producing the blood cells in our body. A bone marrow biopsy is a diagnostic procedure which is done to see if the cells of the bone marrow are functioning properly. A small section of the cells is taken and are viewed under the microscope so that the pathologist can see if the cells are healthy and normally functioning. This procedure is mostly done to diagnose different types of blood disorders like thalassemia and also various blood cancers.

How is bone marrow biopsy done?

Bone marrow biopsy has two steps to it. The first is an aspiration of the liquid portion and the second is a small section of the solid portion. The liquid portion is aspirated out from a needle into a syringe. The solid portion needs a larger needle to remove out the section of tissues. this is then sent to the laboratory for cytology.

First, the doctor will examine the patient and take a general examination. He will ask about the medications, health conditions, the presence of any other known disorders and allergies. Some drugs like blood thinners may have to be discontinued to allow healing of the wound.

Then, the patient is taken in for the bone marrow biopsy. 

There are three main regions where the bone marrow biopsy can be done:

·         

1.           Hipbone
2. ·        Breastbone
3. ·        Tibia

Most often, it is done at the hipbone. The region is cleaned up and an anaesthesia is given. It could be either local anaesthesia or a general anaesthesia if the patient is too anxious. The region is marked and the needle is inserted.

For the aspiration, a small incision is made and the needle is inserted. Once the needle contacts the bone, the bone marrow sample is collected into the syringe. While collecting the sample, there might be a slight pain.

For the collection of a solid biopsy sample, a larger needle is used. The cells are collected and the needle is withdrawn. Again, while collecting, the patient may experience a sharp stinging pain.

Once the samples are collected, they are immediately sent to the pathologist who will view it under the microscope.

What is being observed?

The bone marrow is responsible for the synthesis of the blood cells. This includes the red blood cells, white blood cells and the platelets. These cells and their immature stages may be seen. Along with this, the levels of folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron are also seen. If there is a disorder, there will be abnormal figures, abnormal numbers or abnormal structures which can be seen under the microscope. This will help to evaluate a diagnosis.

How soon do we get the biopsy results?

While it takes only 10-15 minutes to perform the entire biopsy, the test results would take more time. The fluid aspiration results take up to 2 days to be processed. The bone marrow biopsy results take a bit longer, about 10 days to arrive.

How to care for the incision site?

Care of the incision site after the biopsy is an important step in the healing of the wound site. The site of incision is neatly cleaned and dressed. Antiseptic is applied to prevent infections and pressure is applied to promote clot formation.

The patient should ensure that the region is kept clean and the dressing bandages are changed. Heat must not be applied to the site. Do not scratch and irritate the site.

If you observe any of the following symptoms, report to the doctor immediately:

• ·         Pain and tenderness even after 10 days.
• ·         Continuous bleeding
• ·         Fever that persists for over a week.
• ·         Swelling
• ·         Redness at the site of the incision.

Bone marrow biopsy is a cost-efficient and quick test that can be done to detect most of the blood disorders. 

Also Read: Bone Marrow test cost in India

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