What is a bone marrow biopsy? Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found in the internal cavity of bones. The bone marrow contains stem cells that produce different forms of blood cells: • White blood cells that create antibodies to fight infections • Red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body • Platelets that form clots to help stop bleeding from an injury The Biopsy involves a sample of tissue taken from inside a bone (usually the hip bone) and is carefully examined in the laboratory under a microscope to detect any abnormal cells. A bone marrow biopsy is performed to investigate the condition of the blood cells and bone marrow. You may be asked for a bone marrow biopsy if you have abnormal blood cell counts. The test results can help diagnose abnormal conditions such as bone marrow disorders, anemia, and cancer cells. Cancers that can affect the bone marrow include leukemia, lymphomas, and myeloma. The Procedure Your blood pressure and heart rate are assessed by healthcare professionals. You will typically be asked to lie on your stomach or side, and the skin above your hip bone, just below your waist, will be cleaned with an antiseptic fluid. During this procedure you will be wide awake, however a local anesthetic is injected into the area of ​​the skin to numb the area that may sting for a few seconds, a sedative medication may be given before the injection to reduce anxiety and relax the body. Generally an aspiration test follows, a needle connected to a syringe is inserted into the anesthetized skin to take one or more samples of liquid bone marrow, a slight burning sensation may occur. Next...... half of the sheet ......at the puncture siteResultsThe sample is sent to a laboratory to be examined by a pathologist or haematologist. Results can take up to two weeks to arrive, but you should generally receive your results within a few days. Normal results will consist of an ordinary number of cells in the bone marrow, abnormal results may consist of an odd number of cells which may also include tumor cells. Abnormal results can lead to clinical decision making, in which a doctor makes a diagnosis. After the operation Any questions, concerns or complaints should be followed up with the hospital or your GP. For further information visit: http://www.nhs.uk Works Cited http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bone-marrow-biopsy/ http://www.patient.co.uk/health/bone- marrow-biopsy-and-aspiration http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/121745/clinical-decision-making