Bone Marrow Biopsy Procedures
Having a bone marrow biopsy can be a frightening experience. Many people fear the pain and discomfort of the procedure. However, patients are sedated or a local anesthetic is used to reduce pain. According to the MayoClinic.com, the procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on the type of sedation used. It is customarily done on an outpatient basis unless the patient has been previously hospitalized.
Patient Preparation
If the procedure is being done as an outpatient procedure, the patient will be educated about what she needs to do before the test. For example, she might be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, prior to the procedure. The night before the test, the patient might be asked to fast after midnight. This is done to avoid problems (such as vomiting) while under anesthesia.
IV Placement
The day of the test, it's possible an IV will be placed into the patient's arm. However, this will be dependent on the type of anesthesia used during the procedure. An IV anesthetic is sometimes needed for optimal patient comfort. An IV can also be used to administer any other necessary medications.
Final Preparation
The staff will be working on prepping the skin where the biopsy needle will be inserted and getting any and all supplies that will be required. The anesthesiologist or physician will also be getting ready to deliver the anesthesia, be it local or general.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia for a bone marrow biopsy is done either through IV medications or a local numbing agent at the entry site of the biopsy needle. If IV anesthesia is required, then an anesthesiologist will administer this. If the procedure calls for only a numbing agent, then the physician performing the procedure can provide the local anesthetic. The choice of anesthetic is discussed with the patient beforehand. Because this is considered a painful procedure, every effort is made to make the patient as comfortable as possible.
Aspiration
Sometimes, before a bone marrow biopsy can be taken, a physician, often a hematologist or oncologist, does an aspiration. An aspiration consists of removing a sample of bone marrow fluid from inside the bone (whereas a bone marrow biopsy removes bone with the marrow inside). This fluid is tested for cell abnormalities and infection. If the aspiration is performed before the biopsy, the physician can reposition the needle or use a new needle to then perform the bone marrow biopsy.
Needle Insertion and Sample Removal
Once the patient has been placed under anesthesia, the physician will begin performing the procedure. A long needle will be inserted into the selected site, often the back of the hipbones. The center of the needle will then be removed and the needle will go deep into the bone. Once the needle has gone into the bone, it will automatically grab a sample of the bone marrow. The needle is then removed with the sample intact. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
Recovery
Once the sample has been taken and the procedure is completed, the wound site is bandaged. If the patient was put under general anesthesia, she will then be sent to a recovery room. Once the patient has recovered to the physician's satisfaction, she will be released or sent to a hospital room.
Tags: bone marrow, bone marrow biopsy, needle will, marrow biopsy, before test
