Bone Marrow Biopsy - Definitation of Bone Marrow Biopsy, Importance of Bone Marrow Biopsy and Bone Marrow Biopsy procedure

What is Bone Marrow Biopsy

The soft connective tissue found inside some bones in the body is known as bone marrow.  This is the spongy tissue that contains starter cells known as stem cells. These then separate and develop into essential red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

In case of certain illnesses and diseases that affect bone marrow there is a disruption in the quality of cells produced. This in turn grievously affects health and can prove to be fatal. In case of abnormal cell development, a bone marrow biopsy is ordered. A biopsy is a procedure wherein a tissue sample is extracted from the bone marrow and is tested for abnormal actions and properties.

Importance of a Bone Marrow Biopsy Procedure

Bone marrow tests are undertaken to ascertain the condition of an individual’s bone marrow.  These tests form the basis of several blood and bone marrow conditions like anemia (low red blood cell count), leucopenia (low white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelets count), myelofibrosis, and leukemia, to name a few. Based on these tests, doctors are able to determine the severity of the condition, its extent and further course of treatment.

Bone Marrow Biopsy Procedure

The patients is asked to lie down, usually on his stomach or side. During most bone marrow procedures, a sample of bone marrow is taken from the hip bone. The area is cleansed with an antiseptic and a local anesthetic is applied. The doctor then pushes a needle past the skin, into the bone and extracts liquid bone marrow. He then replaces the needle for a bone marrow biopsy needle. This needle is thicker and has a hollowed centre. This needle is inserted into the bone. At this point the core of the needle is removed (to expose the hollow part) and the needle pushed deeper into the bone. The bone marrow sample fills up the needle core, which is then extracted and studied. Once the needle is extracted, a pressure bandage is applied to the area. This helps ease the bleeding. Bone marrow biopsy recovery depends on the patient. The procedure causes some pain as it isn’t possible to apply anesthesia to the bone. There may be some bruising. Others may experience bleeding. 

The entire procedure usually takes about 10-20 minutes. The extracted bone marrow sample is then sent to the lab for analysis. The results are generally available within a few days. Depending on the abnormality of cells, a diagnosis and a treatment plan are constructed.