Hospital | |
Bone Marrow Biopsy
by
Michael Jubinville, MPH DefinitionA bone marrow biopsy is the removal of a sample of bone marrow. The procedure is most often done on a pelvic or chest bone.
Reasons for ProcedureA bone marrow biopsy may be done to:
Possible ComplicationsComplications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. Your doctor will review a list of possible problems such as:
What to ExpectPrior to ProcedureYour 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. AnesthesiaLocal anesthesia will be used. It will numb the area. You may be given a light sedative. It will help you relax. Description of ProcedureA 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. Immediately After ProcedureThe bone marrow sample will be checked in a lab. Ask your doctor when you can expect the results. How Long Will It Take?About 30 minutes. Will It Hurt?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. Post-procedure CareAt HomeYou should be able to resume your normal activities. If you have had a sedative, avoid driving until it wears off. Call Your DoctorCall your doctor if any of the following occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:Leukemia & Lymphoma Society http://www.lls.org National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada http://www.llscanada.org References:Bone marrow biopsy. Harvard Medical School website. Available at:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diagnostic-tests/bone-marrow-biopsy.htm. Accessed January 29, 2021. Bone marrow biopsy. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/orthopaedic/bone_marrow_biopsy_92,P07679. Accessed January 29, 2021. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 1/29/2021 | |