A leukemia investigator plans to obtain bone marrow under general anesthesia to measure minimal residual disease (MRD) and to see if this time point can predict early relapse. The specimen will be obtained at a time point when otherwise no bone marrow would be sampled. The results are not shared with the treating oncologist, and no therapeutic interventions are decided or based on the results. Which of the following statements is most accurate about this intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because obtaining bone marrow under general anesthesia carries inherent risks that make it greater than minimal-risk. Here's a step-by-step rationale:
1. General anesthesia poses risks such as allergic reactions, breathing problems, and potential complications, making the procedure more than minimal-risk.
2. Even though bone marrow assessments are routine for leukemia patients, the use of general anesthesia elevates the risk level.
3. The fact that the results are not shared with the treating oncologist and no therapeutic interventions are based on them indicates that the procedure is solely for research purposes, emphasizing the risk-benefit analysis.
4. Choice A is incorrect because the use of general anesthesia increases the procedure's risk level beyond routine.
5. Choice B is incorrect as the focus should be on the inherent risks of general anesthesia, not just the number of procedures performed.
6. Choice D is irrelevant to the risk assessment of the specific procedure and does not address the immediate safety concerns associated with general anesthesia.