Bone Marrow Testing

What is Bone Marrow?

The soft, spongy tissue found in the core of most bones is called bone marrow. The bone marrow produces a variety of blood cells, including:

The red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body.
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, assist you in battling illnesses.
Platelets, which aid in blood clotting

What is Bone Marrow Testing?

A bone marrow test analyses whether your bone marrow is producing blood cells normally and in a proper manner. This test is usually done when other tests, such as a biopsy or FNAC, have been inconclusive. The tests can aid in the diagnosis and follow-up of blood problems, specific cancer types, and bone marrow disorders.

To get bone marrow samples for testing, one of two methods is used: A marrow aspiration is wherein a small amount of bone marrow fluid and cells are removed.

And a marrow biopsy where a little portion of the bone and the bone marrow is removed Typically, a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration are performed simultaneously.

What conditions can a Bone marrow test detect?

The Bone marrow test can be used to detect a lot of other conditions other than cancer. Your doctor might prescribe you a bone marrow test when the symptoms are not clear, or unexplainable.

Diagnose a bone marrow or blood cell-related illness or disorder.
Detect the disease’s stage or course
Examine to see if your iron levels are acceptable.
keep track of a disease’s therapy
investigate a mysterious fever
Detection of Anemia
Blood cell disorders such as leukopenia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, pancytopenia, and polycythemia
Cancers of the bone marrow or blood, such as multiple myeloma, lymphomas, and leukaemias
Cancer that has progressed to the bone marrow from another location, such as the breast
Hemochromatosis
Unknown origin fevers

Who conducts a Bone marrow test?

Your bone marrow biopsy could be carried out by a doctor who specializes in cancer (an oncologist) or blood diseases (a haematologist). Bone marrow biopsies are also carried out by nurses who have undergone specialized training.

Is Bone marrow testing a risky procedure?

The procedure is very straightforward and does not involve any complications. So, you have nothing to worry about. However, you are likely to experience stiffness or soreness where the sample was extracted following a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. In a few days, this normally disappears.

A painkiller may be suggested or prescribed by your doctor to aid. Take just the pain medications that your doctor has authorized. Your risk of bleeding may rise if you take some painkillers, such as aspirin.

Although very uncommon, serious symptoms could include:

Pain or discomfort where the sample was collected that has increased
haemorrhage, swelling, redness, or other fluids oozing from the area
Fever

If such symptoms prevail, contact your doctor immediately.

Locations

Patna Cancer Centre was established to provide comprehensive cancer care to patients from all over India. The centre has since grown to become a leading cancer treatment and research facility in Jehanabad, Gaya and Patna. Along with a wide range of cancer care services from diagnosis, treatment, and research, to preventive education, the hospital also offers a state-of-the-art surgery suite equipped with the latest surgical equipment and technologies.