Is it possible to diagnose which MPN i have without bmb?

[Aby1990]

Hb:15.7 to 16.2

Rbc: 5.32 to 5.7

Plc: 613 to 790

WBC: 7.80 to 11.70

PCV: 48 to 50

Jak2 +ve

EPO:1.6 to 5.80

LDH:189

Ferritin:206

[Ebot]

There is a debate among haematologists worldwide about the value of ordering a BMB. Many haematologists, and particularly here in the U.K. are likely to order the test so as to provide a baseline to measure and monitor any change in, or progression of the disease over time. The short answer is, yes, they are likely to be able to diagnose which MPN a patient has without a BMB but most will order a BMB for clarity and to provide a baseline.

If your question was prompted by concern about the test, then it is really straightforward. Don’t Google BMB experiences!!! They’ll inevitably fill your head with horror stories! You’ll find much more boring reality here! And if you haven’t been offered one then do ask.

Wishing you all the best.

[Rachelthepotter]

Hi. What a BMB can do is exclude the diagnosis of myelofibrosis : no fibrosis, no MF. Worth having for peace of mind, and as a baseline.

All the best

Rachel ( MF)

[Chaz1]

Agree with Ebot, many Haemotologists use it for a baseline measurement. We had to ask for Hubby to have one as we wanted the baseline, he is across both ET & PV but his BMB didn't give a definite answer to which one he should be classed as, it just confirmed he definitely had an MPN. Some countries have regular BMB to check for progression but in the UK they only tend to do them again if they have concerns. So yes you don't need to have a BMB for diagnosis but for long-term it's a good thing to have on file.

[Wyebird]

Yes if your blood sample shows a mutated gene associated with an MPN. That’s How I was diagnosed. Unfortunately some people don’t and so it’s my understanding that that’s when a bmb is required.

A bmb also gives a baseline to heamos for them to monitor you by.

[Hopetohelp]

My bloods very similar to yours. Was diagnosed with ET Jak2. No BMB needed yet according to my H. Good luck x

[hunter5582]

You already heard the yes to diagnosis without a BMB. it really depends on which diagnostic protocol the doc is using. WHO and British Hemo' Society have somewhat different protocols. You did not list the Platelets (above 450K is thrombocytosis) or the Hematocrit (note importance of 45%). Since you are JAK2 positive and apparently symptomatic for something, then it is a good bet you do have a MPN. You will want to know what your JAK2 mutant allele burden is as it bears on prognosis.

Other have already mentioned that there are other reasons than diagnosis to have a BMB. For what it is worth, I have had a MPN (ET that progressed to PV) for over 30 years. All of my docs, including the MPN-specialist, have all said I do not need a BMB. Several docs have noted that BMBs are often done wrong and do not yield the reliable results one would hope for. If you do opt for a BMB - be sure it is done somewhere/with someone who knows what they are doing.

All the best.

[mark382]

Was diagnosed with PV 11 years ago. Had multiple scans but No BMB and have never been offered one. I'm happy with that as my haematoligist is brilliant. On aspirin and venesections.

[MJoye in reply to mark382]

Hi, can I ask whether you have any other elevated blood counts? I’ve recently been diagnosed with PV but having a BMB tomorrow as my WBC is also elevated which I believe can also be a symptom of PV.

[mark382 in reply to MJoye]

I don't know about any other elevated level. My haematoligist has never said and I've never asked. She usually either says blood is good or blood level up (I've assumed just red cells) and I need a venesection. I have total trust in her and go along with anything she says. She never misses a thing.

[MJoye in reply to mark382]

Hi, it sounds like you don’t or they would have told you....thank you for your reply.