Bone Marrow Clinic – For Patients
The Bone Marrow Clinic at CorePath — For Patients
What is the Bone Marrow Clinic?
We are a team of specially trained physicians and scientists at CorePath Laboratories in San Antonio, Texas. We reach out to doctors in San Antonio and the surrounding regions to coordinate visits to the Bone Marrow Clinic for you. From the moment you walk in and meet our providers until you get your results from your personal physician, we take care of you every step of the way.
How Does the Bone Marrow Clinic Work?
We complete all bone marrow procedures in 4 easy steps so you can have your results in time for your follow-up appointment.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
The provider will ask you to lie on your side or stomach. After numbing the area, a needle will then be placed into the back of your hip bone to draw out some of the bone marrow fluid in the iliac crest (this is referred to as a bone marrow aspiration). A small sample of the bone will also be taken (this is referred to as a bone marrow biopsy).
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
Why Did My Doctor Order a Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy?
Patients often present with high or low blood counts. Since bone marrow is where the body’s blood cells are made, examining bone marrow can provide valuable information to help diagnose possible blood-related disorders including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other diseases.
What Should I Do to Prepare for the Procedure?
You do not need to do any special preparation for the procedure. You may eat prior to the biopsy. However, if your physician has prescribed any medication, such as sedatives, you will need to bring someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Will It Hurt?
Local anesthesia will be used to reduce or eliminate pain associated with this procedure. During the procedure, you may feel some pressure on your hip bone. Some people experience discomfort when the bone marrow aspiration is obtained, but this only lasts 10 to 15 seconds. During the procedure, some people may feel cramping in the leg.
What Should I Let My Doctor Know Before Doing the Procedure?
Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder, are taking anticoagulants or are allergic to iodine or lidocaine. You may need to stop taking anticoagulants prior to the biopsy.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of a Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy?
Any time there is an incision made in the skin, the risks are infection, bleeding and pain. Complications for these procedures are rare and the benefits heavily outweigh any possible risks.
What Happens After the Procedure?
A pressure bandage will be placed over the biopsy site after the procedure and you may be asked to stay in bed for up to 30 minutes to make sure there is no bleeding. You may experience some soreness and bruising over the test site for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used as directed to ease any discomfort. Keep the biopsy site covered for at least two days to minimize the risk of infection. It is okay to shower or get the bandage wet after the first 24 hours. No vigorous activities or heavy lifting should be done for 48 hours.
When Can I Expect the Results?
These laboratory tests can take a few days to complete, though preliminary results may be available to your provider as early as the next day. Please call your provider for more information.
How Does Billing Work?
You can expect to receive one bill from CorePath for performing the procedure, processing and interpreting the results. Occasionally, you may receive a second bill from an outside lab for special tests, if needed. If you have any questions about your bill, please contact our office and let our dedicated billing team assist you.
Conveniently Located
The Bone Marrow Clinic at CorePath
6918 Camp Bullis Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78256
We are located in the Crownridge neighborhood of Northwest San Antonio, at the corner of Legend Lane and Camp Bullis Road, and across from the Knights of Columbus Church.
Contact Us
BMclinic@corepath.us
1.877.617.4445
