A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of a sample of bone marrow. The procedure is most often done on a pelvic or chest bone.
A bone marrow biopsy may be done to:
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. Your doctor will review a list of possible problems such as:
Your doctor may do a physical exam and blood tests.
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to 1 week in advance.
Local anesthesia will be used. It will numb the area. You may be given a light sedative. It will help you relax.
A hollow biopsy needle will be inserted into the bone. The needle will be twisted and moved forward. This motion will allow a sample of bone marrow to enter the core of the needle. A fair amount of pressure may be used. The needle may need to be rocked. The needle will then be removed. The bone marrow sample will be inside the needle. Pressure will be applied to the puncture area. The site will be bandaged.
The bone marrow sample will be checked in a lab. Ask your doctor when you can expect the results.
About 30 minutes.
The injection of anesthesia may sting or burn. You may notice a feeling of pressure and pain when the needle is rocked. After, you may feel sore for a few hours.
You should be able to resume your normal activities. If you have had a sedative, avoid driving until it wears off.
Call your doctor if any of the following occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
National Cancer Institute
Canadian Cancer Society
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
Bone marrow biopsy. Harvard Medical School website. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diagnostic-tests/bone-marrow-biopsy.htm. Accessed August 10, 2018.
Bone marrow biopsy. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/orthopaedic/bone_marrow_biopsy_92,P07679. Accessed August 10, 2018.
Last reviewed June 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.