The Sternum as a Favoured Site for Obtaining Sample of Haemopoietic Tissue during Diagnosis of Suspected Blood Diseases

The sternum, commonly known as the breastbone, is a flat bone located in the center of the chest. It serves as a protective shield for vital organs such as the heart and lungs. In the medical field, the sternum is considered a favored site for obtaining a sample of haemopoietic tissue during the diagnosis of suspected blood diseases. This is primarily due to the following reasons:

1. Rich in Bone Marrow
The sternum contains a significant amount of red bone marrow, which is responsible for the production of blood cells. Red bone marrow is a specialized tissue that consists of hematopoietic stem cells, which can differentiate into various types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. By accessing the sternum, clinicians can obtain a sample of this haemopoietic tissue for diagnostic purposes.

2. Easy Accessibility
Compared to other sites, such as the iliac crest (hip bone) or the sternoclavicular joint, the sternum is relatively easier to access. It is located superficially beneath the skin and does not require deep invasive procedures for sample collection. This accessibility makes the sternum a preferred site for obtaining haemopoietic tissue samples, especially in cases where repeated sampling may be necessary for monitoring disease progression or treatment response.

3. Minimally Invasive Procedure
Obtaining a sample from the sternum involves a minimally invasive procedure called a sternal bone marrow biopsy. This procedure typically involves the use of a special needle to extract a small amount of bone marrow from the sternum. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort and safety. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure reduces the risk of complications and allows for quicker recovery compared to more invasive techniques.

4. Diagnostic Accuracy
The haemopoietic tissue obtained from the sternum provides valuable diagnostic information for suspected blood diseases. The sample can be analyzed for abnormalities in the production, maturation, or function of blood cells. This information aids in the accurate diagnosis and classification of various blood disorders, including leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas, and other hematological malignancies. The sternum's rich bone marrow content ensures that the obtained sample is representative of the overall blood cell production in the body.

In conclusion, the sternum is a favored site for obtaining a sample of haemopoietic tissue during the diagnosis of suspected blood diseases due to its rich bone marrow content, easy accessibility, minimally invasive procedure, and diagnostic accuracy. Its utilization in diagnostic procedures greatly contributes to the effective management and treatment of various blood disorders.

Sternum comes under the category of flat bones which have in them only red none marrow and not the yellow bone marrow. The diagnosis of any suspected blood diseases the cells from the RBM are checked. So such flat bones are preferred. The bones of the skull are also flat, but that requires brain surgery, thus sternum is preferred.