Content
The myelogram, also known as bone marrow aspiration, is an exam that aims to verify the functioning of the bone marrow from the analysis of the blood cells produced. Thus, this examination is requested by the doctor when there is a suspicion of diseases that may interfere with this production, such as leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma, for example.
This exam needs to be done with a thick needle, capable of reaching the inner part of the bone where the bone marrow is located, popularly known as marrow, so it is necessary to perform a small localized anesthesia to decrease the pain and discomfort during the procedure.
After collecting the material, the hematologist or pathologist will analyze the blood sample, and identify possible changes, such as decreased blood cell production, the production of defective or cancerous cells, for example.
Myelogram puncture site
What is it for
The myelogram is usually requested after changes in the blood count, in which few blood cells or large numbers of immature cells are identified, for example, being indicative of changes in the bone marrow. Thus, the myelogram is requested in order to investigate the cause of the change, and may be indicated by the doctor in the following situations:
- Investigation of unexplained anemia, or the reduction in the number of white blood cells and platelets in which the causes were not identified in the initial exams;
- Research of causes for changes in function or shape in blood cells;
- Diagnosis of hematological cancer, such as leukemia or multiple myeloma, among others, as well as monitoring the evolution or treatment, when it has already been confirmed;
- Suspected metastasis of severe cancer to the bone marrow;
- Investigation of fever of unknown cause, even after several tests;
- Suspected bone marrow infiltration by substances such as iron, in the case of hemochromatosis, or infections, such as visceral leishmaniasis.
Thus, the result of the myelogram is very important in the diagnosis of several diseases, allowing for adequate treatment. In some cases, bone marrow biopsy may also be necessary, a more complex and time-consuming examination, as it is necessary to remove a piece of bone, but often important to give more details about the marrow. Know what it is for and how the bone marrow biopsy is done.
How is done
The myelogram is an exam that affects deep tissues of the body, as this is usually done by a general practitioner or hematologist. Generally, the bones in which the myelograms are performed are the sternum, located in the chest, the iliac crest, which is the bone located in the pelvic region, and the tibia, leg bone, made more in children, and their steps include :
- Clean the place with proper materials to avoid contamination, such as povidine or chlorhexidine;
- Perform local anesthesia with a needle on the skin and on the outside of the bone;
- Make a puncture with a special needle, thicker, to pierce the bone and reach the bone marrow;
- Connect a syringe to the needle, to aspirate and collect the desired material;
- Remove the needle and compress the area with gauze to prevent bleeding.
After collecting the material, it is necessary to carry out the analysis and interpretation of the result, which can be done by slide, by the doctor himself, as well as by machines specialized in the analysis of blood cells.
Possible risks
Generally, the myelogram is a quick procedure with rare complications, however, it is possible to experience pain or discomfort at the puncture site, as well as bleeding, hematoma or infection. The collection of the material may be necessary, in a few cases, due to the insufficient or inadequate amount of sample for analysis.