Is CT Scan Test Necessary For Bone Marrow?

Posted on Fri, 19 Aug 2016

Question: I need to get a bone marrow biopsy ordered by a hematologist. The radiologist who is going to do it is also going to do a CT scan when he does it - not for any particular purpose other than to supposedly help him locate the place to do the bone marrow biopsy. Is this the usual procedure that's done in most bone marrow biopsies?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
CT is most likely advised for some other purpose.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to HCM,
I've gone through your query and understand your concern,

I don't think CT scan is advised for location of bone marrow biopsy place.
It may be advised for some other purpose.
Bone marrow biopsy is generally taken from a particular place like hip(posterior iliac crest) etc.Hip is preferred because there are no major vessels or organs near iliac bone.
Other sites of biopsy are sternum,tibia etc.

So,CT may be advised for some other purpose.

Get well soon.

Hope I have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr. Indu XXXXXXX

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng