What is the difference between aspiration and biopsy

This indicates the presence of normal numbers of both immature and mature bone marrow cells. Abnormal — Results can be abnormal if there is an abnormal count of fats, iron or connective tissue within the bone marrow. It can also be an indicator of the presence of some infection, abnormal-shaped cells can indicate the presence of cancer cells, like lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and more. In case scar tissue replaces the bone marrow then also such a situation can occur. It is a complicated test and is not advised for patients who consume blood thinners.

However, if you are facing recurrent bouts of infections within your body, then a sensitivity or a culture test of bone marrow can be used to provide accurate guidance in defining a treatment plan.

If in case, you still have any confusions then it is best to discuss them with your doctor, before you finally opt to go for the examination procedure. For over 26 years, Fortis Hospitals have been committed to the cause of getting people back to their lives faster and stronger. During the test Before conducting the biopsy, a blood sample may be drawn from a vein in your arm.

Places where bone marrow fluid can be withdrawn: Adults: From the back of the pelvic bone From the breastbone sternum — rarely done From the front of the pelvic bone — rarely done Babies and young children From the front of the lower leg bone, just below the knee A sedative is administered to help you relax. Firstly, the skin over the aspiration site is cleaned with a special solution and the area is numbed by applying a local anesthesia The aspiration needle is then put through the skin and into your bone, reaching the bone marrow Staying still while the sample is withdrawn is very important.

A special tool is then used at the site that twists into the bone to remove some part of the bone. You might hear a crunching sound as the tool twists into your bone Post sample withdrawal, manual pressure is applied on the site to halt any excess bleeding The area is then covered with a bandage How it feels The process feels like a sharp sting and burns when the anesthesia numbs your skin at the biopsy site.

After the biopsy You will be asked to stay in the lying position for 30 minutes to an hour post-biopsy to check the site for bleeding if any. Results Normal — The result is considered normal when the reports show a normal count of fats, iron, and connective tissue. Then a bandage will be placed on the site. If you had local anesthesia, you'll be asked to lie on your back for 10 to 15 minutes and apply pressure to the biopsy site. You can then leave and go about your day, returning to normal activity as soon as you feel up to it.

If you had IV sedation, you'll be taken to a recovery area. Plan to have someone drive you home, and take it easy for 24 hours.

You may feel some tenderness for a week or more after your bone marrow exam. Ask your doctor about taking a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen Tylenol, others. Wear the bandage and keep it dry for 24 hours. Don't shower, bathe, swim or use a hot tub. After 24 hours you can get the area wet. The bone marrow samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Your doctor generally gives you the results within a few days, but it may take longer. At the laboratory, a specialist in analyzing biopsies pathologist or hematopathologist will evaluate the samples to determine if your bone marrow is making enough healthy blood cells and to look for abnormal cells. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Bone marrow exam Open pop-up dialog box Close. Bone marrow exam In a bone marrow aspiration, a doctor or nurse uses a thin needle to remove a small amount of liquid bone marrow, usually from a spot in the back of your hipbone pelvis.

More Information Acute lymphocytic leukemia Acute myelogenous leukemia Aplastic anemia Chronic lymphocytic leukemia Chronic myelogenous leukemia Enlarged spleen splenomegaly Essential thrombocythemia Hairy cell leukemia Hodgkin's lymphoma Hodgkin's disease Leukemia Myelodysplastic syndromes Myelofibrosis Neuroblastoma Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Polycythemia vera Thrombocytosis Show more related information.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Bone marrow tests. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed Dec. Zehnder JL. Find out more age-specific information on how to prepare a child for tests and procedures.

Home Treatments Tests and procedures Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Why bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are done. How bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are done. Side effects. What the results mean. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy can show if: you have certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma NHL or Hodgkin lymphoma cancer has spread to the bone marrow you have anemia or a blood disorder These procedures can also tell the healthcare team whether bacteria or fungi have caused an infection in the bone marrow.

What happens if a change or abnormality is found. Special considerations for children. References American Cancer Society. Children Diagnosed with Cancer: Dealing with Diagnosis. American Cancer Society.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin Overview. American Society of Clinical Oncology]. Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

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