Bone Marrow Aspiration: A Key Step for Rapid Diagnosis of Blood Disorders

Bone marrow aspiration—commonly referred to as a “bone marrow tap”—is a routine examination in hematology. The bone marrow is the body’s primary blood-forming organ. Through cytological analysis of bone marrow samples, clinicians can assess how different blood cells are produced, observe changes in cell morphology and composition, and detect abnormal cells. This examination helps confirm diagnoses, monitor treatment effectiveness, and evaluate prognosis.

When Is Bone Marrow Aspiration Needed?
1. Abnormal blood counts, including increases or decreases in red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets
2. Osteoporosis or pathological fractures inconsistent with age; abnormalities in immunoglobulins
3. Prolonged unexplained fever; enlargement of the liver, spleen, or lymph nodes
4. To rule out infections, lymphoma, and other diagnoses

What Should I Pay Attention to After the Procedure?
Bone marrow aspiration is a safe and well-established procedure, but several precautions can help ensure smooth recovery:
1. Care of the Puncture Site
· Keep the dressing dry: The puncture site is covered with a sterile dressing. Avoid getting it wet for 72 hours to prevent infection.
· Watch for bleeding or swelling: If the dressing becomes soaked with blood or the site becomes markedly swollen or painful, contact medical staff promptly.
2. Activity and Rest
· Avoid strenuous activity: For 1–2 days after the procedure, try to avoid bending, lifting heavy objects, or other activities that may cause local bleeding.
· Rest if needed: Some patients may feel brief fatigue due to individual differences. Rest appropriately before resuming normal activities.
3. Stay Alert for Abnormal Symptoms
· Signs of infection: Redness, warmth, fever, or persistent pain at the puncture site should be evaluated by a doctor.
· Bleeding risk: In rare cases, patients with severely low platelet counts may experience prolonged bleeding and should follow medical advice closely.
4. Daily Recommendations
· easily digestible foods such as eggs, milk, juice, rice porridge, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
· Medications: If you take long-term anticoagulants (such as aspirin), inform your doctor in advance to assess whether adjustments are needed.

Our Advantages: Minimizing Pain, Maximizing Efficiency
With a multidisciplinary team and an international-standard laboratory, the Hematology Department of Jiahui International Hospital provides precise and efficient bone marrow aspiration services:
· Adequate local anesthesia for minimal pain: By applying topical anesthetic first to reduce the initial needle prick, followed by local infiltration anesthesia to numb the skin and periosteum, most patients feel only pressure, not pain.
· Fast reporting: Highly efficient laboratory operations shorten waiting times, supporting early diagnosis and timely treatment.
· Flexible scheduling: Available for both outpatient and inpatient settings, with convenient and streamlined procedures—no long waits, less travel.

About the Hematology Department of Jiahui International Hospital
The Hematology Department at Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital specializes in comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of hematologic diseases—particularly blood cancers—providing multidisciplinary, one-stop, individualized care.

Department strengths include:
· Extensive international medical resources (collaborations with globally renowned medical centers)
· Strong partnerships with top-tier hospitals (Prof. Hao Sigou from Xinhua Hospital, a leading hematologist, holds regular clinics; member of the Ruijin Hematology Medical Consortium and the Yangtze River Delta CAR-T Cell Therapy Expert Alliance)
· Access to cutting-edge global therapies (CAR-T therapy, autologous stem cell transplantation, etc.)
· Advanced equipment and imported medications (laminar airflow beds, Spectra Optia cell separator, flow cytometer, and more)