Bone Marrow Biopsy
Definition |
Body Parts Involved |
Reasons for Procedure |
Complications |
What to Expect |
Outcome |
Call Doctor If
Definition
Removal of a sample of bone marrow for testing
Parts of the Body Involved
Pelvic bone
Reasons for Procedure
In response to an abnormal blood test (one revealing too many or too few red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets), a bone marrow biopsy is performed in order to:
- Diagnose or rule out leukemia or a bone marrow cancer
- Monitor treatment for leukemia
- Diagnose specific blood disorders, such as certain types of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and polycythemia
- Diagnose immunodeficiency
- Diagnose infection
Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure
- Bleeding disorders
- Infection of the skin overlying the area from which the biopsy is to be taken
- Infection in the bloodstream
- Previous radiation treatment to the biopsy site
- Severe osteoporosis
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure - Blood tests, physical exam
During Procedure – Anesthesia and possibly, light sedation
Anesthesia - Local
Description of the Procedure - Just before the procedure, you may be given a light sedative to help you relax. The area of your pelvis from which the biopsy will be taken is cleaned with an antiseptic, and numbed with a local anesthetic. A hollow biopsy needle is inserted into the bone, and simultaneously advanced and twisted, to force a sample of bone marrow into the core of the needle. The doctor may need to use a fair amount of pressure, and may need to rock the needle to get a sufficient sample. As the needle is withdrawn, the bone marrow sample is extracted. After the needle is removed, pressure and then a bandage are applied over the area that was punctured.
After Procedure – The bone marrow specimen will be examined by a pathologist
How Long Will It Take? About 30 minutes
Will It Hurt? The injection of local anesthetic may sting or burn. You may notice a sensation of pressure and/or pain as the biopsy needle is rocked to obtain the sample.
Possible Complications:
Average Hospital Stay - None. The test may be performed in your doctor's office, and you can go home afterwards.
Postoperative Care - You should be able to resume your normal activities after your bone marrow biopsy. If you have had a sedative, you'll be advised to avoid driving or operating equipment until the effects of the medication have worn off.
Outcome
The pathologist will give your doctor information about the bone marrow, which will help your doctor make a diagnosis.
Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs
- Severe pain
- New onset of pain more than 24 hours after the procedure has been completed
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the biopsy site
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
SOURCES:
Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology, 10th ed. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 1999.
Procedures for Primary Care Physicians, 1st ed. Mosby-Year Book, 1994.
Last reviewed February 2001 by Medical Review Board
