Download Reports
About TRSCH
Success Stories
Patient Information
Sustainability
Happenings
Download the Tirath Ram Patient App
Follow Us

Bone Marrow Aspiration

Overview

14procs_procedure-overview.webp
bone-marrow-banner.webp

Bone marrow aspiration is a medical procedure used to collect a sample of the liquid portion of the bone marrow. This sample is typically obtained from the large bones, like the pelvic bone, and is primarily used to diagnose and monitor various blood disorders, cancers (such as leukemia or lymphoma), anemia, or to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. It can also be used to gather stem cells for transplantation.

Book an Appointment

Consult with Experienced Oncology

At TRSCH, world-renowned medical pioneers converge to redefine excellence. Our distinguished specialists, having unmatched expertise for compassionate care, are ever-ready to address your health concerns. Consult our Oncology today!

Waseem Abbas
Dr. Waseem Abbas
Consultant
Book an Appointment

How is Bone Marrow Aspiration Done?

  • Medical Evaluation: Patients undergo a medical history review and physical examination to determine the need for bone marrow aspiration.
  • Informed Consent: Patients are briefed about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives before signing a consent form.
  • Medications: Certain medications that affect blood clotting (e.g., aspirin, anticoagulants) may need to be stopped a few days before the procedure to reduce bleeding risk.
  • Fasting: Typically, no fasting is required unless sedation or anesthesia is planned.
  • Allergies and Medications: Patients must inform the doctor about allergies (especially to anesthetics) or medications they are taking.
  • Psychological Preparation: Anxiety is common, and reassurance or mild sedatives may be offered to calm the patient.

  • Positioning: The patient is typically asked to lie on their side or stomach, depending on the site of aspiration, usually from the pelvic bone.
  • Local Anesthesia: The skin over the aspiration site is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is injected to numb the area.
  • Aspiration: Once the area is numb, a hollow needle is inserted through the skin into the bone. A syringe is then attached, and a small amount of liquid marrow is withdrawn.
  • Pain Management: The patient may experience a sharp pain or pressure when the marrow is drawn, which lasts briefly.
  • Post-procedure Care: Pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding. A dressing or bandage is placed over the area, and the patient is usually observed for a short time before discharge.

Though bone marrow aspiration is generally safe, there can be potential complications, including:
  • Pain: Mild to moderate pain at the site during and after the procedure.
  • Infection: At the site of the needle insertion, though rare with sterile techniques.
  • Bleeding: Particularly in patients with bleeding disorders or those on blood thinners.
  • Allergic Reactions: To local anesthetics or sedatives.
  • Damage to nearby structures: Very rare, but adjacent tissues or organs may be affected in some cases.
icon
What are the Benefits of Bone Marrow Aspiration
  • Diagnosis of Blood Disorders: It helps diagnose leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and other bone marrow-related diseases.
  • Monitoring Disease Progression: It assists in tracking the effectiveness of treatment for various blood cancers.
  • Stem Cell Harvesting: It can be used to gather stem cells for transplant in conditions like leukemia or aplastic anemia.
  • Evaluation of Unexplained Anemia: Useful in identifying causes of anemia that are not apparent through other tests.

Infrastructure and Facility Requirements

  • Sterile Environment: The procedure must be conducted in a sterile setting, typically a hospital or specialized clinic.
  • Specialized Equipment: Bone marrow aspiration needles, syringes, and antiseptic supplies.
  • Trained Personnel: A skilled healthcare provider, often a hematologist or oncologist, is required to perform the procedure.
  • Laboratory Support: A laboratory equipped to process and analyze the bone marrow samples.
  • Sedation or Anesthesia Availability: In cases where anxiety or pain management is a concern, sedation facilities may be needed.
icon

FAQs

Patients may feel a sharp, brief pain when the marrow is drawn, but local anesthetics reduce pain during the needle insertion. Post-procedure soreness may last a few days.

Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two. There may be mild soreness or bruising at the site.

It is often performed to diagnose or monitor blood disorders, cancer, or other conditions affecting the marrow.

The risks are low but may include infection, bleeding, or pain at the aspiration site.

General anesthesia is rarely needed. Local anesthesia is typically sufficient, but light sedation may be offered for anxious patients.

The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and results are usually available within a few days. You may be monitored for a short time after the procedure to ensure there is no bleeding.

No, a bone marrow biopsy involves removing a small, solid piece of bone marrow tissue, whereas aspiration draws the liquid part of the marrow.

This procedure is vital in the diagnostic and therapeutic arsenal for various hematological diseases.

Subscribe with us

Copyright 2025 TRSCH - All Rights Reserve

Website Design and Development by Sterco Digitex

Subscribe with us

Copyright 2025 TRSCH - All Rights Reserve

Website Design and Development by Sterco Digitex

Specialities

View All Specialities

Book an Appointment

icon
Find A Doctor

With country's leading experts

General Info & Timings Admission and Billing Patient Rights and Responsibilities COVID – 19 Safety Hospital Layout FAQs