You can get a bone marrow test at your doctor's office.If you have been diagnosed with a disease that affects your bone marrow or your blood cells, they are usually done.There are two types of bone marrow tests.
Step 1: Make an appointment with your doctor.
The bone marrow tests can be done in your doctor's office.Depending on the advice of your doctor, book an appointment for one or both tests.Your doctor may suggest that you have both tests done to get a more detailed range of results.Your doctor may not be able to do this test on his own.They may refer you to a different doctor.
Step 2: Tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs.
Before you take the tests, make sure you tell your doctor if you have any allergies or take any medications.If you have any medical issues or disorders, you should tell them.
Step 3: Stay calm during the tests.
The bone marrow aspiration should take no more than 10 minutes.The sample will usually be taken from the back ridge of your hip bone.The area will be numbed with local anesthesia, so you will not feel much pain or sting.Your doctor will walk you through each step of the test to make you aware of what is happening.If you're worried about the pain, you can ask your doctor for an IV sedation.This will prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure.
Step 4: Allow the anesthesia to wear off by lying on your back.
You will need to rest for a few minutes after the procedure is over.Before putting on a bandage, the doctor will apply pressure to the area.You will need to have someone drive you home and rest for 24 hours if you received IV sedation.
Step 5: The bandage should be dry for 24 hours.
If you wet the bandage in the shower or bath, it can affect the incision.If you bathe or shower, wrap the bandage in plastic to keep it from getting wet.You can get the area wet after 24 hours.
Step 6: If the area feels tender or painful, take over-the-counter pain medication.
The area can be sensitive to touch for a few days as it heals.Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be taken to reduce pain.Don't take more than the recommended amount if you follow the instructions on the label.Within a week, the pain should go away.
Step 7: If you experience any of the above symptoms, go to the doctor.
The incision area may have become sick.You can get treatment at your doctor's office or the nearest medical center.
Step 8: You should read the standard operating procedure for bone marrow tests.
Make sure to check with your office, hospital, or health center to make sure you are following the right procedure for bone marrow tests.Check that you have the right patient's information after the patient signs any necessary consent forms.You should always consult your standard operating procedure before going ahead with bone marrow tests.
Step 9: Check the patient's vital signs.
To make sure their reading is normal, use a blood pressure monitor.You should use a stethoscope to check their heart rate.
Step 10: Clean and mark the patient's hip bone.
The sample will be taken from the top ridge of the patient's hip bone.If the hip area is not available, you may collect the sample from the patient's breastbone.The sample from the lower leg bone should be collected by children under the age of 18 months.
Step 11: Local anesthesia should be applied to the area.
Explain to the patient that you are applying local anesthesia in the area where the sample will be taken, and that the pain won't be very bad.You can give the patient IV medication if they are worried about the exam.
Step 12: The patient should lie on their side or abdomen.
They need to drape a cloth over their body to expose the incision area on their hip bone.
Step 13: A bone marrow aspiration can be performed with a small incision.
Use a scalpel to make a small incision on the marked area and place a needle with a syringe into it.The liquid part of their bone marrow should be withdrawn for testing.As the bone marrow is being removed, the patient may feel a sharp pain or stinging in the area.You have to use separate needles for each sample for testing.You will need to find a different spot for the test if you can't withdraw the bone marrow from the selected spot.If this is the case, adjust the area accordingly.
Step 14: A bone marrow biopsy is needed.
If you are also performing a bone marrow biopsy on the patient, you should use a larger needle.The patient's bone marrow is collected with a needle.As the sample is removed, let the patient know that they may feel a sharp pain or stinging.The procedure should take no more than 10 minutes.
Step 15: Apply pressure to the wound.
Light pressure should be put on the area to stop the bleeding.Place a clean bandage on the area to help it heal.