Evaluation

The tissue sample from a bone marrow puncture is evaluated in the laboratory. For this purpose, a part of the sample is spread out on a microscope slide. The cells of the bone marrow can easily be examined under the microscope for size, damage and other parameters.

Furthermore, an immunohistochemical examination is often performed. During this procedure, special features of the cells are marked with fluorescent substances. This can be easily observed under a special microscope. This provides very specific information that can be used to draw conclusions about diseases. More rarely, an examination for bacteria is performed.

How quickly do you get the results?

The duration until a finding is available can be different. Depending on the question with which the bone marrow puncture was sent to the laboratory or pathologist, a result can be obtained within two days or up to four weeks. The confirmation of a leukemia, for example, can be made within a short time.

For this purpose, no further steps other than a microscopic examination are required.However, for some investigations, especially immunohistochemical and cytological ones, a high cell count is needed. Therefore, it may be necessary to prepare and multiply the cells in advance. Due to the nature of the process, it can take several weeks before a final result is obtained.

What complications can occur?

The collection of bone marrow as part of a bone marrow aspiration procedure carries some risks. Some of these occur frequently. However, these are not serious.

The very invasive procedure with a needle or a punch down to the bone injures some structures that are well supplied with blood. This is why bleeding into the tissue, bruising and secondary bleeding from the wound occur relatively frequently. These occur mainly if the compression bandage does not fit properly, is fixed too easily or is removed too early.

Too much movement after the puncture can also cause this. This is slightly painful, but not dangerous. After two weeks at the latest, the area has healed.

However, the needle or punch can also injure surrounding structures. For example, another organ or a nerve can be damaged, which can have far-reaching consequences such as partial paralysis, reduced sensitivity or bleeding. However, the risk of this is low.

The most feared is an infection of the bone marrow following a bone marrow puncture. Untreated, this can cause great damage and be fatal. This is especially the case if the person concerned already has a damaged immune system. An infection of the bone marrow that is detected early is also a serious disease and should not be underestimated.