When your doctor tells you to have a bone marrow test, you might be a little scared, right? It's normal to think that a bone marrow test is going to be a big, painful procedure. But it's actually not something to be afraid of. It's a common test that can help diagnose many diseases. Let's take a look at what this test is, why it's done, and how it's done.
What exactly is this bone marrow and this test?
First, let's look at what bone marrow is. Think of it as a soft, spongy tissue inside the large bones of our bodies (for example, the hip bone). That's what we call bone marrow. This is the main factory that makes the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that are essential for our bodies. It's like a factory.
Now, there are actually two procedures that are done together in this bone marrow test. Together, we call these two procedures "Bone Marrow Examination."
1. Bone Marrow Aspiration : Simply put, this involves taking a small sample of the liquid part of your bone marrow using a thin needle.
2. Bone Marrow Biopsy: In this, a small sample is taken from a solid, lump-like part of the bone marrow using a slightly larger needle.
Both of these samples are usually taken from the back of your hip bone. By examining both of these samples, your doctor can determine if there is a problem with your blood formation process.
Why am I being asked to do this test?
Okay, now you're probably wondering, "Why would I want to do this?" There are several reasons why your doctor might order this test. It depends on your symptoms and the results of previous blood tests.
| Reason for testing | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| To diagnose a blood or bone marrow disease | Find out exactly if there are any cancerous conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, or any blood-forming problems (e.g., aplastic anemia). |
| To determine the stage of a disease | See exactly how far a disease that has already been diagnosed has spread to the bone marrow. |
| To measure the success of treatments | Confirm whether the medication is improving the disease and whether the bone marrow is recovering. |
| To check the iron level in the body | Sometimes this test helps to get an accurate idea of the iron level in the blood. |
| To study a fever with no identifiable cause | Sometimes a persistent fever can be caused by a bone marrow infection. This can help diagnose that. |
How should I prepare for this test?
There's nothing special to prepare for this, but there are a few very important things you should tell your doctor.
- Be sure to tell us if you have any allergies. For example:
- Chlorhexidine, a wound cleanser.
- Local anesthetic injections.
- A type of rubber called latex (some gloves are made from this).
- For adhesives like plaster.
- Also, if you are taking blood thinners (e.g. Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Warfarin), be sure to tell your doctor beforehand. He or she will advise you how many days before the test you should stop taking those medications.
What happens during the test?
Okay, now let's see what happens during this procedure. Don't worry, we'll explain each step to you. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The entire process takes about 30 minutes.
1. First, you will be made to lie on a bed, either on your stomach or on your side.
2. Then the medical staff will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature to make sure everything is normal.
3. Next, the area where the needle will be inserted (behind the hip bone) is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
4. Then a small injection is given to numb the area . You may feel a slight burning sensation when this is given. Then the area will tingle, like when your gums are numbed before a tooth is extracted.
5. Now the aspiration is done. The doctor inserts a thin needle into the bone. You will feel a slight pressure. Then a small amount of bone marrow fluid is withdrawn with a syringe. At this point, you may feel a slight pain or a pulling sensation down your leg for a few seconds . This will go away quickly.
6. Next is the biopsy . A slightly larger needle is used for this. This is also inserted into the same place as before. This takes a small piece of the thickest part of the bone marrow. You may also feel a pinch at this time.
7. When the work is finished, a small bandage is applied to the area where the needle was inserted.
This pain only lasts a few seconds. So don't worry. The doctor and nurses are there to help you. Take a deep breath and try to stay calm.
What happens after the test?
After the test is over, you will be asked to rest for a while before going home. Be sure to take care of these things after you go home.
| What you may feel after the test | What you should/shouldn't do after going home |
|---|---|
| A feeling of dizziness for a few minutes. | What not to do: Do not take medications like aspirin for 24 hours. Do not bathe for at least 24 hours. Do not let the wound get wet. |
| A slight tingling sensation in the leg or foot on the side where the needle was inserted. | What to do: Leave the plaster on the wound for 24 hours. If the wound is bleeding, press it down with a clean cloth. |
| There was a slight bruising and pain for a few days where the needle was inserted. | What to do: Ask your doctor to restart the blood thinners you stopped taking. |
When will I receive the report? What does it say?
The bone marrow sample taken from you will be sent to a lab for examination by a specialist in histopathology. This will involve using previous test results such as a complete blood count (CBC) and a blood smear .
It may take a few days or even more than a week for the report to arrive. Once you receive it, the doctor will explain to you what it contains and what to do next.
- You can confirm whether or not you have a disease.
- If there is a disease, it can be determined how serious (advanced) it is.
- You can see how successful the treatment is for you.
Take-Home Message
- Bone Marrow Examination is a very important test to diagnose diseases related to the blood and bone marrow.
- The pain you feel during this is temporary. That means it only lasts a few seconds. So don't be unnecessarily scared.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have and any blood-thinning medications you are taking before the test.
- After the examination, follow the doctor's instructions exactly, especially regarding keeping the wound clean and taking medication.
- Feel free to ask your doctor any questions you have about the test report.
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