Table of Contents
Why would a doctor do a bone marrow biopsy?
Bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy can show whether your bone marrow is healthy and making normal amounts of blood cells. Doctors use these procedures to diagnose and monitor blood and marrow diseases, including some cancers, as well as fevers of unknown origin.
What if bone marrow test is positive?
The pathology lab that receives your marrow will check to see if your bone marrow is making healthy blood cells. If not, the results will show the cause, which may be an infection, bone marrow disease, or cancer.
How long does a bone marrow biopsy results take?
The lab will test your bone marrow during this time. Waiting for the results can take one to three weeks. Once your results come in, your doctor may call or schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings.
What if bone marrow biopsy is negative?
When these tests are negative, examining the marrow can reveal problems with the red blood cells that are uncommon causes of anemia (sideroblastic anemia, aplastic anemia).
How long does it take to get the results of a bone marrow biopsy?
How long does it take for the results of the biopsy? A bone marrow biopsy typically takes 2 to 4 working days to fully process and for the results of these tests to reach your doctor. Sometimes there are additional tests done on the bone marrow material that can take a number of weeks.
What can a bone marrow biopsy check for?
The pathologist can check your bone marrow for any of the following: Abnormal numbers of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets) Cancers of the blood-forming tissue (leukemia or lymphoma) There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend a bone marrow biopsy. What are the risks of a bone marrow biopsy?
When should I Call my doctor if I have a biopsy?
Call your provider if you have any of the following: 1 Fever 2 Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the biopsy site 3 More pain around the biopsy site
What can a pathologist check in a lab?
A specialist called a pathologist examines blood and bone marrow samples in a lab. The pathologist can check your bone marrow for any of the following: Abnormal numbers of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets)
How is a bone marrow transplant performed?
The provider will use a syringe to pull a small liquid sample of the bone marrow cells through the needle. It is common to feel pressure as the needle is pressed into your bone. You will have a pulling feeling when the marrow is removed. The provider will remove a small, solid piece of bone marrow using a special hollow needle.