Comparison of canine core bone marrow biopsies from multiple sites using different techniques and needles

Abstract

Background Commonly used 11 or 13ga needles are relatively large for collection of bone marrow (BM) biopsies from small dogs. Objectives The aims of this study were to assess ease of BM collection and quality of specimens obtained from small dogs using 13 and 15ga needles and to determine if specimen encasement would improve quality. Methods Humeral and iliac biopsies obtained from 17 Beagle dogs with a 15ga needle and a power driver were compared with humeral biopsies obtained with a 13ga Jamshidi needle. Ease of collection (scored as 1 [very difficult] to 5 [very easy] for 3 components of collection with scores summed), section quality (scored as 1 [poor] to 5 [good]), and lesions at collection sites were scored. Quality of additional humeral biopsies obtained with a 15ga needle and wrapped in tissue paper prior to fixation was assessed. Results Use of a 15ga needle to obtain a humeral BM biopsy was significantly easier (mean score ± SD = 13.6 ± 1.7) than obtaining humeral BM using a 13ga needle (11.4 ± 1.6; P < .001) or obtaining iliac BM using a 15ga needle (10.9 ± 2.0, P < .001). Quality of humeral biopsies obtained with a 13ga needle (3.9 ± 1.2) was better than for biopsies of the humerus (1.9 ± 1.3, P < .001) or ilium (1.4 ± 0.6, P < .001) using a 15ga needle. Only sites sampled with a 13ga needle were identifiable grossly after the procedure. In most biopsies, cell density and cellularity were lower when a 15ga needle was used. Paper‐wrapping of biopsies did not improve quality. Conclusions In small dogs, collection of humeral BM biopsies using a 15g needle is feasible and more easily accomplished than collection using a 13ga needle. Hematopoiesis may be underestimated in specimens collected using the smaller needle.

Comparison of feline core bone marrow biopsies from different sites using 2 techniques and needles

“…Each needle was used for 2 cats with re‐sterilization between procedures (STERRAD, Advanced Sterilization Products; J & J Medical Products, Markham, ON, Canada). Iliac biopsies were obtained with disposable 51 mm Jamshidi Bone Marrow Biopsy/Aspiration Needles (Cardinal Health Canada Inc, Vaughan, ON, Canada) (Figure H), using standard technique . The cats were positioned in sternal recumbency, and the needle was advanced from the medio‐dorsal aspect to the latero‐ventral aspect of the ilium (Figure I).…”

“…Each biopsy procedure was repeated up to a maximum of 3 times until a specimen with an estimated length ≥ 5 mm was obtained. Site localization, needle insertion, and needle advancement were individually scored on a scale of one (most difficult) to 5 (most easy) with respect to ease, and summed for a facility score, as previously described . The lengths of stained biopsy sections on the mounted slides were measured with a ruler as previously described …”

“…In an effort to both encourage BM core biopsy in small dogs and cats, and improve sample quality, we have investigated BM core biopsy using smaller needles. We previously reported the feasibility of obtaining BM core biopsies in small dogs using 15ga needles intended for intraosseous fluid therapy (EZ‐IO Intraosseus Infusion System needles; Vidacare, San Antonio, TX, USA) . In the study reported here, these same needles were used to obtain BM core biopsies in cats, and the biopsies were compared with those obtained with conventional 13ga needles.…”

Use of a rotary battery‐powered device for the collection of bone marrow in dogs and cats

“…The length and width of the bone marrow core samples were measured with digital vernier callipers, and a total area calculated. All samples were evaluated by a board-certified clinical pathologist (EV) in a blinded fashion (samples only identified by the laboratory number assigned at submission of the sample) and scored using a previously described scale (Abrams-Ogg and others 2012) for overall quality 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) with quantification of the percentage of cortical bone marrow, crush artefact, haemorrhage and usable area.…”

“…Use of powered systems in small animals has recently been explored using an intraosseus infusion system designed for fluid administration (EZ-IO Intraosseous infusion system, Vidacare) in experimental beagles (Abrams-Ogg and others 2012). This system does not use the bone marrow capture mechanism of the rotary battery-powered device.…”