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Is Bone Marrow Test Necessary After Occult Blood Test Negative With Fluctuating Hemoglobin Level?
Sir, My (Male, 65 years) Hemoglobin level has been fluctuating between 7-8 g/dl for the last 3 years. I am also a Diabetic, suffering from hypertension, dilated cardiomyopathy EF-40% and chronic kidney diseases. After my occult blood test negative, i am advised to undergo Bone marrow test. please advise if the procedure is necessary? Thanks in advance! N.B. Singh
posted on
Mon, 14 Apr 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 25 Apr 2014
Answered on
Fri, 25 Apr 2014
Last reviewed on
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Presence to low hemoglobin levels over a period of 3 years needs to be investigated.
A complete hemogram needs to be done first.
As you have mentioned that you are suffering from chronic renal failure, anemia or low hemoglobin levels are seen in this condition.
The treatment of anemia secondary to chronic renal disease is treatment of the renal disease.
Bone marrow examination can also be done to assess the status of the bone marrow.
You can go ahead with the investigation.
Bone marrow aspiration is done under local anaesthesia.
Local anaesthesia will suppress the pain and the procedure is safe.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Presence to low hemoglobin levels over a period of 3 years needs to be investigated.
A complete hemogram needs to be done first.
As you have mentioned that you are suffering from chronic renal failure, anemia or low hemoglobin levels are seen in this condition.
The treatment of anemia secondary to chronic renal disease is treatment of the renal disease.
Bone marrow examination can also be done to assess the status of the bone marrow.
You can go ahead with the investigation.
Bone marrow aspiration is done under local anaesthesia.
Local anaesthesia will suppress the pain and the procedure is safe.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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