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

Abstract

Bone marrow biopsies form an important part of investigations into a large number of conditions in veterinary patients. In the human field, powered drivers specifically designed for the collection of bone marrow have become available. These systems have been shown to obtain better quality bone marrow, more quickly and with less pain. This study showed that a powered rotary bone marrow collection system could be used in dogs and cats to collect bone marrow, easily and without complications. Good quality bone marrow aspirates were obtained in the majority of patients; where aspirates could not be collected it was not possible to obtain aspirates from alternative sites using a standard manual technique. Bone marrow core samples were of increased size (mean useable area 16.5 mm(2)), compared to samples obtained using a standard manual technique (mean useable area 4.1 mm(2), P<0.001). Samples obtained using the powered system were also judged to be of significantly better diagnostic quality. The use of a powered system for bone marrow collection may aid the collection of better quality bone marrow samples in small animal patients.

Diagnostic bone marrow sampling in cats. Currently accepted best practices

“…Studies have suggested these sampling devices yield better diagnostic samples, are easier to use compared with manual systems, and take less time to obtain quality samples (see later). 11,12…”

“…Studies have suggested these sampling devices yield better diagnostic samples, are easier to use compared with manual systems, and take less time to obtain quality samples (see later). 11,12 Priming solution To prepare a 5-10% EdTA priming solution, thoroughly mix 0.5 ml of sterile saline in a 7 ml EdTA Vacutainer tube (purple/lavender top tube). Aspirate this mixture into a 12 ml sterile collection syringe.…”