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Bone Marrow Biopsy
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
For a bone marrow biopsy (BYE-op-see), your doctor will
remove a sample of your bone marrow, the substance inside your
bones that manufactures most blood cells, and send it to a
laboratory for testing.
Risks
There's a chance of infection
when the sample is taken. There is also a very small chance
that an organ could be hurt during the procedure.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
Before You Go
-
Tell your doctor if you are taking aspirin or a
medicine to thin your blood.
-
Tell your doctor if you have had surgery on your
heart.
-
Your doctor may want you to stop eating several hours
before the biopsy.
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood
pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
During the Bone Marrow Biopsy...
-
You will lie on your stomach or back with a sheet
covering you. The biopsy is usually taken from the hip
bone, but could be taken from your breastbone (sternum)
or a leg bone.
-
You will be asked not to move. Your doctor will
give you numbing medicine, so you will feel little pain.
The area where the biopsy is to be taken will be
cleaned.
-
Your doctor will advance a needle through your
tissue and bone and into the marrow. You may feel
pressure while the needle is passing into bone. A sample
of the marrow will be taken.
-
To stop the bleeding after the needle is removed,
your doctor will apply pressure. A bandage will be put on
the area to keep it clean. You may be asked to rest for a
short period after the biopsy is
done.
-
The procedure will take about 30 to 45
minutes.
After You Leave
-
Your doctor may prescribe medicine to ease any
pain.
-
Keep the area dry for 24 hours. When you shower or
bathe, place a waterproof material, such as plastic, over
the wound site.
-
For the first 24 hours, apply an ice pack to the area
to reduce pain and swelling. Put ice in a plastic bag and
place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin or the
bandage. Keep the ice pack on for 2 hours, then off for up
to 2 hours.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have severe pain in the area of the biopsy for
more than 24 hours.
-
You have any bleeding other than a small spot on the
dressing.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
Your temperature goes higher than 101 degrees F (38.3
degrees C).
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