Question 1

What makes an a bone marrow biopsy abnormal?

Accepted Answer

A bone marrow biopsy in a normal person will find the pattern of cells most often seen in a healthy person of that age.This would include red cells and their precursers (builders), white cells & precursers, platelet precursers &  others. In illness, the pattern changes, and some or all may be abnormal. Tumor cells may take over every space& or few if any normal cells may be seen.

Question 2

Why could someone require a bone-marrow biopsy?

Accepted Answer

The bone marrow is where the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made. A bone marrow biopsy is often recommended when a physician, usually a hematologist or oncologist, needs to see what might be causing an abnormality in ones complete blood count (cbc).

Question 3

What is the probablity of a clean bone marrow biopsy?

Accepted Answer

In what setting?  It depends on what disease, how long you have that, do you have systemic symptoms etc? For more indolent disease  - like cll for instance- the chance to  see involvement to the bone marrow is pretty high as the disease may have been there for years. For acute leukemia- definitely bone marrow will be abnormal.

Question 4

Is there any disadvantage of having bone marrow biopsy?

Accepted Answer

There is always risk involved in any procedure. Some have greater risk than others. Generally speaking, bone marrow biopsies are low risk, but your hematologist would be the best person to assess whether the risk outweighs the potential benefit, which is the real question.

Question 5

I'm curious as to why would someone require a bone-marrow biopsy?

Accepted Answer

See this site for a list of indications for bone marrow biopsy.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003934.htm.

Question 6

What should i expect in regards to pain during a bone marrow biopsy?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly they will deaden the area before doing the biopsy  unfortunately they cannot deaden the bone so when they penetrate the bone for the biopsy there will be some immediate pain but it should be short and you ought to be able to stand it since you know it is going to happen.

Question 7

Could you be sedated for a bone marrow biopsy?

Accepted Answer

There is no reason not to be sedated and comfortable.

Question 8

Will i need time off work after a bone marrow biopsy?

Accepted Answer

The site of biopsy will be sore for a day or two, but you should be able to return to work the day after. More important for your ability to work may be the reason for which you need bone marrow biopsy.

Question 9

What is the typical pain level of a bone marrow biopsy?

Accepted Answer

5-7/10. Pain perception is different from patient to patient though, so keep that in mind.

Question 10

Should you drink the night before a bone marrow biopsy?

Accepted Answer

Unless its being done under general anesthesia, you should eat and drink (including alcohol) as you would as part of your normal routine.  If you are having a general anesthesia, you should take nothing by mouth for 8 hours prior to the procedure.  If you are on blood thinners, check with your prescribing doctor to see if its okay to stop these to avoid excessive bleeding at the biopsy site.

Bone marrow biopsy sedation

What makes an a bone marrow biopsy abnormal?

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Why could someone require a bone-marrow biopsy?

What is the probablity of a clean bone marrow biopsy?

Is there any disadvantage of having bone marrow biopsy?

I'm curious as to why would someone require a bone-marrow biopsy?

What should i expect in regards to pain during a bone marrow biopsy?

Could you be sedated for a bone marrow biopsy?

Will i need time off work after a bone marrow biopsy?

What is the typical pain level of a bone marrow biopsy?

Should you drink the night before a bone marrow biopsy?

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