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Bone Marrow Biopsy

by Editorial Staff And Contributors

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of a sample of bone marrow. The sample is sent for testing. The procedure is most often done on the pelvic bone. It may also be done on the sternum.

Bone Marrow Biopsy

Reasons for Procedure

A bone marrow biopsy may be done to:

Evaluate a low red blood cell count (anemia), low white blood cell count (leucopenia), or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
Diagnose and stage lymphoma (tumors of the lymphoid tissues) or solid tumors
Diagnose, monitor, and evaluate leukemias
Evaluate iron level problems
Research unexplained spleen enlargement (splenomegaly)
Evaluate other blood disorders

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have this procedure, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:

Infection
Bleeding

Some risk factors for complications during this procedure include:

Bleeding disorders
Infection of the skin at the biopsy site
Infection in the bloodstream
Prior radiation treatment to the biopsy site
Severe osteoporosis

What to Expect

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 one week before the procedure, like:

Anti-inflammatory drugs
Blood thinners

Local anesthesia will be used. It will numb the area.

You may be given a light sedative. It will help you relax. The biopsy area will be cleaned and numbed.

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 or 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. A bandage will be applied.

The bone marrow specimen will be examined by a pathologist. 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 biopsy needle is rocked. After the biopsy is done, you may feel soreness in the area for a few hours.

You should be able to resume your normal activities after your biopsy. If you have had a sedative, avoid driving or operating equipment until the effects of the medicine have worn off.

Follow all of your doctor's instructions.

Call Your Doctor

After you are home, contact your doctor if any of the following occur:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the biopsy site
Nausea and/or vomiting
Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

http://www.lls.org/

National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

http://www.cancer.gov/

BC Cancer Agency

http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/

Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario

http://www.krcc.on.ca/

Bone marrow biopsy. Harvard Medical School website. Available at: http://www.health.harvard.edu/diagnostic-tests/bone-marrow-biopsy.htm. Accessed January 18, 2013.

Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC. Procedures for Primary Care Physicians. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book; 1994.

Wintrobe MM, Lee GR. Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology. 10th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 1999.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Igor Puzanov, MD

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.