Efficacy of disposable spinal needle in diagnostic bone marrow aspiration

ABSTRACT

To see the efficacy of disposable spinal needle in diagnostic bone marrow aspiration. Observational study. Department of Haematology, Military Hospital and Army Medical College, Rawalpindi from 1st October 2008 to 31st September 2009. A total of 324 bone marrow aspirations were performed after obtaining informed consent. The study included both male and female subjects and was not restricted to a particular age group. After detailed clinical history and physical examination, blood counts were performed on Sysmex KX-21 hematology analyzer. Smears were examined to assess the indications for bone marrow aspiration. The procedure was conducted at posterior iliac spine in all cases except children under 2 years of age, for which tibia was the preferred site. A 16-gauge spinal needle was used, under sterile conditions using Lignocaine 2% as a local anesthetic. Leishman Stain was used to stain the slides. Pearls reaction and cytochemical stains were used where required. Once prepared, the slides were examined under light microscope and the diagnosis was made in light of both the clinical presentation and microscopic findings. The results were analyzed on SPSS version 17.0. Out of 324 bone marrow aspirations diagnosis was possible in 295 cases. The most frequently diagnosed conditions were anaemia [Megaloblastic, Iron deficiency, Anaemia of chronic disorder], Leukemias [Acute Leukemias and Chronic Leukaemias] and reactive changes in bone marrow secondary to infection. Disposable spinal needles are convenient, user-friendly, readily available [even in remote areas] and ensure sterilization in bone marrow aspiration