Bone Marrow Aspiration And Biopsy Procedure
Guidelines & FAQs for the Patient
Scheduling The Procedure
Who can I contact to schedule the bone marrow procedure?
Your clinician will schedule the procedure for you, or you may contact Tyler Landry, Executive Assistant at The Pathology Laboratory at (337) 312-1270.
Anesthesia Selection
Will I be given general anesthesia for the procedure?
Your clinician will discuss the options for anesthesia with you. There are three (3) choices:
- Perform the procedure in OR under general anesthesia (most expensive option).
- Perform the procedure under conscious sedation using an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.
- Perform the procedure using standard local anesthesia such as Lidocaine (least expensive option).
Location Of The Procedure
Where do I go for the procedure? Your clinician will discuss the location of the procedure with you. Options include, but are not limited to:
- Hospital OR / procedure room
- In-patient bedside
- Recovery room
- Surgicare – 2100 Lake St, Lake Charles, LA 70601
- The Pathology Laboratory – 830 W Bayou Pines Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601
NOTICE: The location is determined in conjunction with the clinician's preference and anesthesia selection, patient's insurance coverage and preference, and the pathologist's schedule.
Reason For The Procedure
Why am I having this procedure done?
Your clinician will discuss with you why the procedure has been considered.
Consent Forms
Will I have to sign consent forms for the procedure?
Yes, you will be asked to review and sign a Patient Consent and Material Risk form which will be obtained by the pathologist performing the procedure.
Requested Testing
What kind of tests and procedures are performed for a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy?
This procedure has multiple parts to test the sample that will be obtained, and may include any or all of the following:
Routine Testing - at a minimum, all patients receive the following tests:
- CBC with differential - performed day of the procedure
- Bone marrow aspiration & biopsy - collection and testing
- Flow cytometry analysis - must be sent out same day
Optional Testing - these tests may be ordered if additional testing is desired by the clinician:
- Cytogenetics
- Molecular studies
- Cultures
Turn-Around-Time (TAT) For Reporting
What kind of turnaround time can I expect for my test results?
As there are multiple parts to this examination, each has its own expected TAT, so the entire completed report may take several days. Several factors may influence the actual timing of results.
| CBC with differential | 2 hours |
| Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy | 36 hours |
| Flow cytometry analysis | 36 hours |
| Cytogenetic analysis | 3-10 days |
| Molecular studies | variable |
| Cultures | preliminary report is 24 hours; final report is usually 7 days |
Cost Of Service And Responsibility For Payment
What is the cost of service and who is responsible for payment? Are there additional service fees?
The prices for the testing associated with the procedure are subject to change without notice and are also dependent on the patient's specific insurance coverage. Ultimately, the cost is solely the responsibility of the patient regardless of his/her insurance coverage. Please contact us in advance if there are specific questions regarding the cost of services and testing.
NOTICE: There may also be a facility charge (regardless of anesthesia) and an anesthesia charge (if anything other than local anesthesia is used).
Procedure Preparation
What can I do to prepare for the procedure?
No special preparation is needed. Please consult with your clinician about any medications and/or supplements you may be taking, as well as any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.
Site Of Procedure
What is the preferred site of collection for a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy?
Virtually, all of the samples are obtained from the posterior iliac crest.
Patient Site Care
What kind of care will I receive after the procedure is complete?
We require the patient to remain at the procedure site for 30-60 minutes after completion of the procedure. We utilize pressure on the site with a bandage by having the patient lay on the site for 30-60 minutes. Staff will monitor for bleeding, which is rarely an issue. Additional pressure and ice packs are the first line of treatment if this occurs. Once the patient is released, there should be minimal pain, requiring only OTC medications such as ibuprofen. No restriction of activities is required.
The Pathology Laboratory | 830 W Bayou Pines Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601 | (337) 436-9557