A bone marrow biopsy is a medical procedure involving the removal of a small sample of bone marrow for examination. This diagnostic tool helps doctors assess the health of your blood-forming tissues and diagnose various conditions, including blood disorders and certain cancers. This article will guide you through the post-biopsy period, from immediate care to receiving your results.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care and Sensations
Immediately after a bone marrow biopsy, pressure is applied to the biopsy site, typically on the back of the hip bone, to help stop any bleeding. A dressing is then placed over the area. This dressing should remain in place and stay dry for at least 24 to 48 hours.
You may experience some common sensations at the biopsy site as the local anesthetic wears off. These can include soreness, mild aching, or bruising. Some individuals might also feel a dull, aching pain or a brief, sharp pain if a bone marrow aspiration was also performed, which involves drawing out liquid marrow. These feelings are normal and subside within a few days.
Managing Discomfort and Activity Restrictions
To manage discomfort after the procedure, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen are recommended. Avoid medications such as aspirin or NSAIDs like ibuprofen for at least 24 to 48 hours, unless specifically advised by your doctor, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Applying an ice pack to the site for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, two to three times on the day of and day after the procedure, can also help reduce discomfort.
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or straining for at least 24 to 48 hours after the biopsy. Keeping the biopsy site clean and dry is important; avoid submerging the area in water, such as in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools, for at least 24 to 48 hours. Most people can return to light activities like walking the day after the procedure.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While bone marrow biopsies are safe, contact your doctor if you experience certain warning signs. Contact your doctor if you experience excessive bleeding from the biopsy site that does not stop after applying direct pressure for 10 to 30 minutes. Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or drainage at the site, also report promptly.
A fever, especially if 100.4°F (38°C) or higher within 48 hours, is another sign. Contact your doctor if you experience severe or worsening pain that is not relieved by medication, or any new numbness or tingling in the leg or foot on the side where the biopsy was performed. These symptoms could indicate a complication.
Receiving Your Results
The timeframe for receiving bone marrow biopsy results can vary, ranging from a few days to several weeks. This variation depends on the specific tests ordered and the laboratory’s processing time. Your healthcare team will notify you of the results by phone or during a follow-up appointment.
A pathologist or hematopathologist will evaluate the samples to determine if your bone marrow is producing enough healthy blood cells and to look for any abnormal cells. The findings will be discussed with you in the context of your overall health and medical history, providing clarity on the diagnosis or the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.