Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration

Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside the bones. This important system is responsible for producing red blood cells and white blood cells. The red cells carry oxygen to the body tissues and the white cells fight infection. Disease can occur when the bone marrow fails to produce one or both types of cells. Other bone marrow problems, such as leukemia, result in the OVERPRODUCTION of immature white blood cells. The bone marrow test involves the insertion of a "skinny needle" into the breastbone or, more commonly, into the hip, in order to aspirate a sample of the marrow. A core of the solid bone may also be removed at the same time for study (needle biopsy). This procedure is indicated in any patient who exhibits the following:

1. LOW PLATELET COUNTS (these cells aid in blood clotting)

2. LOW WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNTS

3. ANEMIA (low red cells) FOR UNKNOWN REASONS

4. APLASTIC ANEMIA (all cell types are low)

5. ELEVATION OF ABNORMAL WHITE CELLS (leukemia)

***** REMEMBER *****

1. This test is performed by a qualified Hematologist.

2. This test is performed under local anesthesia.

3. There is a stinging pain associated with aspiration, but any pain usually abates quickly.

4. Complications are extremely rare. Patients with bleeding problems may have site bleeding, requiring pressure to the site.

MEDICAL TESTS

Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal X-Ray
Allergy Testing
Amniocentesis
Amylase Blood Test
Angiodynography
Angiogram
Arterial Blood Gases
Arthrocentesis
Arthrogram
Barium Enema
Blood Chemistry
Blood Coagulation Test
Blood Cultures
Blood Glucose Test
Blood Test Smac 25
Bone Marrow Biopsy Aspiration
Cardiac Catheterization Angioplasty
Cardiac Enzymes
Cholesterol Blood Test
Complete Blood Count
CT Scanning Back
CT Scanning Chest Abdomen
Drug Levels
Glucose Tolerance Test
Hepatitis Blood Test
HIV Blood Test
Kidney Biopsy
Kidney Blood Test
Lipoproteins
Liver Biopsy
Liver Blood Test
Lymph Node Biopsy
Mononucleosis Test
Paracentesis
Peritoneal Lavage
Pregnancy Blood Test
Prostate Specific Antigen
Skin Biopsy
Spine X-Rays
Thyroid Biopsy
Thyroid Blood Test
Toxicology