Bone Marrow Biopsy

You often have a bone marrow biopsy as an outpatient. This means you go home the same day. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider’s practices.

A bone marrow biopsy is often done using a pelvic bone. In some cases, another bone, such as the breastbone may be used. In a child, a leg bone, or a bone in the spine (vertebra) may be used.

You may be asked to remove clothing and may be given a gown to wear.

Your position may vary depending on the bone that is used. You may be asked to lie on your side or your stomach if the pelvic bone is used.

During the procedure, you will need to lie as still as possible.

The skin over the biopsy site will be cleaned with a sterile (antiseptic) solution.

You will feel a needle stick and a brief sting as the healthcare provider injects a local anesthetic to numb the area.

The provider may make a small cut (incision) over the biopsy site. The biopsy needle will be put through the bone and into the bone marrow.

A bone marrow aspiration is often done first. The provider will use a syringe to pull a small liquid sample of the bone marrow cells through the needle. It is common to feel pressure as the needle is pressed into your bone. You will have a pulling feeling when the marrow is removed.

The provider will remove a small, solid piece of bone marrow using a special hollow needle. This is called a core biopsy.

The biopsy needle will be removed. Firm pressure will be put on the biopsy site for a few minutes, until the bleeding has stopped.

A sterile bandage or dressing will be applied.

The bone marrow samples will be sent to the lab for exam.