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CARE AND PREPARATION
FOR PROCEDURES

Bone marrow biopsy 
user recommendations

What is it? 

A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of marrow from inside a bone. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps make blood cells. It is found in the hollow part of most bones. Bone marrow biopsy is not the same as bone marrow aspiration. The doctor extracts a part to examine it and detect the presence or not of any disease.
Bone marrow.jpg
Instructions before the procedure 

Follow the instructions below carefully, the success of the procedure depends largely on your collaboration.
  1. The user must have a minimum of 6 hours of fasting on the day of the exam including water. (Hypertensive and/or diabetic users should take their medications with little water).

  2. If the user is diabetic, they must fast for 6 hours without exceeding the indicated time (6 hours).

  3. If the user applies insulin, on the day of the exam it should not be given.

  4. If you take ASA, ASPIRIN or ASAWIN, you must stop taking them 8 days before the exam.

  5. If you consume or are applied antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications such as: Clopidogrel (plavix, Iscover), Warfarin (coumadin), heparin, enoxaparin (fraxiparin), dalteparin (fragmin) you must suspend it before the procedure with the prior authorization of the treating physician.

  6. If the user is hypertensive, DO NOT stop the medication for hypertension and have a control done one week before the procedure at your care center.

  7. The specialist will order coagulation tests TP, TPT, Platelets, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit in the same week of the exam. (These are essential clinical laboratory tests for the procedure). They must have normal values.

  8. Bring results of previous imaging studies, if they have been done (ultrasounds, x-rays, tomographies, magnetic resonances). Indispensable.

Procedure day:

  • You must be accompanied by a person of legal age, with decision-making capacity. 

  • Please show up 30 minutes before your appointment, to carry out the admission process.

  • General bathroom. You must come in comfortable clothing, without accessories or jewelry or valuables.

Post Procedure Instructions

  • Placing local ice on the biopsy site for 10 to 15 minutes several times in the first 24 hours after the procedure. This helps reduce swelling and bruising which will disappear within the first week. Take medication as directed by your doctor.

  • Keep the biopsy site covered with a bandage for the first 48 hours after the procedure, then it can be removed

  • You can shower 24 hours after taking the biopsy, cover the bandage, do not get it wet, keep it clean and dry.

  • Have absolute rest during the first 6 hours following the procedure. Rest refers to NOT performing heavy physical activities or sudden movements.

  • You may leave the procedure with a small wound with stitches or medical tape and covered with a bandage, which will put pressure on it.

  • If there is bleeding at the site, apply light pressure with gauze, compressing for 4 hours after the procedure. 

  • After the procedure you must continue with your usual medication and diet.

  • If you have pain, take the medications ordered by the specialist.

Warning signs and symptoms

In case of profuse bleeding, swelling and pain, paleness, sweating, dizziness, fainting, fever, or leakage of purulent material or profuse bleeding from the operated area or respiratory distress, you should consult the emergency room.

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