Bone Marrow Biopsy
Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside your bones where blood cells are
made. During a bone marrow biopsy, a small tissue sample is taken and sent
for tests. The biopsy is often taken from your hipbone in your lower back.
A bone marrow biopsy is done to:
• Check for blood diseases
• Check for blood or bone cancer
• See how a treatment is working
• Check for infection
Arrive on time for your test. Plan on being here 1-2 hours. The test takes
about 30 minutes.
To Prepare
• Before the test, tell the staff about:
─ Your medicines (herbs, over-the-counter, vitamins, and prescriptions)
─ Allergies
─ Other health problems, including bleeding problems
─ Surgeries
─ Pregnancy
During the Test
• You will wear a hospital gown.
• You may be given a sedative or pain medicine.
• You lie on your side or on your stomach.
• The doctor injects the site with numbing medicine. This may sting.
• When the site is numb, the doctor puts a needle through the skin into the
bone. You will feel some pressure and may feel some pain. This often
lasts only a few seconds.
• The doctor will remove a small tissue sample and the needle is taken out.
A bandage is put on the site.
After the Test
• You will need to lie on your back for 15 to 20 minutes.
• The nurse will check the bandage for any signs of bleeding.