How to Screen for Anemia With a Bone Marrow Test
Certain types of anemia, such as aplastic anemia, need more than just a blood sample to be correctly diagnosed. In these cases, you will screen for the condition with a bone marrow test. Since it's in the marrow where red blood cells are created in the body, this is a powerful screening option that can alert you to serious health issues.Things You'll Need
- Appointment at a clinic or hospital to have the test done
- Doctor's opinion that this test is necessary
Instructions
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Screen for Anemia with a Bone Marrow Test
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Avoid eating the morning before the bone marrow screen is done. Usually it's recommended that you don't eat after midnight the previous day to avoid nausea from the medications.
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Arrive at the clinic and make sure you have a ride home, since you will be groggy from painkillers the bone marrow test or biopsy.
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Lie down. Usually a bone marrow biopsy is taken from the pubic bone above the buttock. This area will be swabbed and then two samples will be taken: one of liquid from the bone marrow and a deeper sample of the denser marrow.
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Get a ride home and rest for the remainder of the day or as long as you are instructed to do so by your doctor.
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Receive the results of your bone marrow screen within a week usually, and discuss the health of the bone marrow and the incidence of red blood cells with your doctor. If anemia is indicated, you will now discuss treatment options, up to and including a bone marrow transplant.
Facilitate Recovery
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Avoid caffeine and alcohol after the bone marrow biopsy. These can react with the medications you were given before the biopsy, so it's best to allow the painkillers to leave your system first.
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Get plenty of rest afterwards. At the very least, be sure to take the day off of work. You have been through an invasive procedure, and your body needs to relax afterwards.
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Talk to your doctor about how wise it is to be out and about after your biopsy if you feel pressured to attend to work.
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