Bone Marrow Aspiration Needles
Types of Needles
- Jamshidi Needle
- Sizes: 13G to 18G
- Lengths: 2-4 inches
- Adjustable depth guard
- Suitable for children >2 years
- Illinois Needle
- Sizes: 16G to 18G
- Specialized for infants
- Shorter length options
- Better control for small specimens
- Islam Needle
- Sizes: 15G to 18G
- Ideal for neonates
- Extra safety features
- Depth limiting device
Age-Specific Selection Guide
- Neonates (0-28 days)
- Needle size: 18G
- Length: 1-1.5 inches
- Preferred type: Islam/Illinois
- Infants (1-12 months)
- Needle size: 16-18G
- Length: 1.5-2 inches
- Preferred type: Illinois
- Children (1-12 years)
- Needle size: 13-15G
- Length: 2-3 inches
- Preferred type: Jamshidi
Pre-Procedure Preparation
- Equipment Checklist
- Appropriate size needle
- Sterile drapes and gowns
- Local anesthetic
- Collection tubes
- Slides and fixatives
- Emergency kit
- Patient Preparation
- Verify coagulation status
- Check platelet count
- Obtain informed consent
- Mark anatomical site
- Position patient properly
Anatomical Sites by Age
- Primary Sites
- Neonates: Proximal tibial plateau
- Infants: Posterior iliac crest
- Children: Posterior iliac crest
- Alternative Sites
- Anterior iliac crest
- Sternum (>12 years only)
- Distal femur (infants)
Step-by-Step Technique
- 1. Site Preparation
- Position identification
- Sterile field creation
- Local anesthetic administration
- Wait for adequate anesthesia
- 2. Needle Insertion
- Entry angle: 45-90 degrees
- Depth markers usage
- Steady advancement technique
- Cortex penetration feel
- 3. Aspiration Technique
- Remove stylet smoothly
- Attach syringe firmly
- Gentle aspiration pressure
- Optimal volume collection
Common Complications
- Immediate Complications
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain during procedure
- Vasovagal reaction
- Needle breakage
- Delayed Complications
- Local infection
- Persistent pain
- Hematoma formation
- Bone infection
Post-Procedure Care
- Immediate Care
- Pressure dressing application
- Vital signs monitoring
- Pain assessment
- Activity restrictions
- Follow-up Instructions
- Keep site dry for 24 hours
- Pain management protocol
- Warning signs to report
- Follow-up appointment timing
Quality Assurance
- Sample Handling
- Immediate slide preparation
- Proper labeling protocol
- Transport requirements
- Storage conditions
- Documentation Requirements
- Procedure details
- Sample adequacy
- Complications noted
- Post-procedure instructions
Further Reading
