confused about test results....

[Kenzington]

This is my first time posting in the forums so forgive me if this is the wrong place for this!

I've been seeing a hematologist (well, her NP actually) for over a year now due to iron deficiency anemia & leukocytosis. Still no real answers as to what exactly is causing the high WBC. I just finished 6 weeks of infed infusions and now im doing weekly b12 injections. At each of my infusions I was having CBCs done and each time my WBC was high. It would go up & down but always on the high side. They've done a bunch of blood tests for the more serious stuff but nothing conclusive. Now they've scheduled me for a bone marrow biopsy. So I guess my main question is it possible for something to show up negative in the blood test but positive the biopsy??

I was so nervous and then relieved when my doc tested me for leukemia & the results showed no signs but that was a year ago. Now I'm a little nervous again.

Also If anyone has had a CT guided BMB, i've got a couple questions about that too.

[rar]

Yes BMB show different things than blood tests. How high are thee WBC? I have had many BMB's. They always just stick it in. I just barely feel it. Why would they do a guided BMB? If I had what I thought were serious problems I would be seeing a MD instead of a NP.

[Data]

I had a CT guided bone marrow biopsy because an MRI had shown there were "patchy" areas in the bone marrow and they were trying to hit a particular spot. I was given conscious sedation. As it turned out the biopsy was "worthless" as my hematologist stated. The biopsy was done by a radiologist who really wasn't competent to do a biopsy. Had it been done by a qualified person it would have probably been beneficial.

Cheers

Data

[GoodDay5150]

I have had 4 BMB'S, 2 pre trans and 2 post trans for PNH disease. They were all done w/ just a local anes., not guided or anything. And yes, a BMB will show details abt your bone marrow and cell production. My rec., if you have not already done so, would be to see a doc at a clinic that specializes in blood disorders. As soon as I was diagnosed w/ PNH my HMO hemo/onc refd . me to a specialist. Good luck in your treatment.

[Cheryl C]

Haven't had a CT guided BMB but can understand the need for one if it's difficult to find a spot where the needle will penetrate. My last biopsy was horrible because that was a problem. However with non-essential CT scans I guess we also need to weigh up the radiation aspect and its possible effects on vulnerable marrow.