Understanding Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy is a vital diagnostic procedure in hematology. Performed by a hematologist, it provides a direct look into the health and function of the body’s bone marrow. This test is crucial for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring blood disorders and blood cancers, guiding effective cancer treatment plans.
Dr. Nishad Dhakate: A Leading Hematologist and BMT Physician
Dr. Nishad Dhakate specializes in autologous and allogeneic blood and bone marrow transplants, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. He provides patient-specific care for red, white, and platelet disorders, as well as immunodeficiency conditions.
Symptoms and Conditions that Require This Test
- Anemia: Persistent fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath; helps differentiate Iron Deficiency Anemia from serious conditions like Myelodysplastic Syndromes.
- Abnormal Blood Counts: Unexplained low or high levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets (Thrombocytopenia), which can lead to Immunodeficiency or Bleeding Disorders.
- Suspected Blood Cancer: Essential for diagnosing and staging Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma; helps the blood cancer specialist assess cancer spread.
- Other Disorders: Myeloproliferative Disorders, Immunodeficiency evaluation, or investigation of fevers of unknown origin; mandatory pre-test for bone marrow transplant.
The Procedure: What to Expect
The procedure is quick and often outpatient.
- Preparation: Patient lies on stomach or side; area is numbed with local anesthetic; mild sedative may be given.
- Aspiration: Thin needle withdraws liquid marrow; brief sharp pulling sensation may occur.
- Biopsy: Slightly larger needle collects solid marrow core; pressure may be felt. Both samples are sent to a lab for analysis.
Results guide treatment decisions, ranging from chemotherapy to bone marrow transplant or advanced therapies like CAR-T cell therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que. Is the procedure painful?A. With local anesthesia, most patients tolerate it well. Brief sharp pain may occur during aspiration; biopsy may cause pressure. Discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Que. What are the risks?
A. Complications are rare. Possible risks include bruising, bleeding, or minor infection at the site. Hematology doctors take precautions to minimize these. Que. How does this test relate to a bone marrow transplant?
A. Biopsy is essential for transplant evaluation. It confirms diagnosis, stages disease, and helps determine suitability for an Autologous transplant or donor transplant. Post-transplant, it checks engraftment and remission. Que. Can it diagnose a coagulation disorder?
A. While the biopsy shows platelet counts, it is not the primary tool for coagulation disorders. Specific Coagulation Tests are required for conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis.
