Why is this procedure done?
Blood cells are made in the inside of bones. This area is called the bone marrow. The doctor may take a sample of bone marrow. This is a bone marrow biopsy. The sample looks like blood and is sent to the lab for testing. Bone marrow is most often taken from the hip bone. ‚
A bone marrow biopsy is done to: ‚
- See how your bone marrow is working
- Learn more about why you are feeling sick
- See if a drug you are taking is working
- See if you are a match for someone who needs a transplant
- Look for cancers that affect the bone marrow
- Find out if cancer or infection has spread to your bones
What will the results be?
The biopsy test result will tell your doctor if you have an illness. It will also tell your doctor if more treatment is needed. Your doctor may do other tests to go along with this one. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You may not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure if you receive drugs to help you relax. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will either lie on your side or face down on your belly.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to help you relax for the procedure. If so, you may have an I.V. in your arm. These drugs can make you sleepy and you may not remember what happens.
- You will be given a numbing drug in the skin and muscle where the biopsy will be taken. This will help you stay pain free during the procedure.
- Your doctor will clean the area where the needle will be put in. Your doctor will put a needle through your skin and into the bone. The bone marrow is pulled up into a syringe.
- You may feel pain or pressure during the test. The doctor will take the needle out when there is enough. More than one sample may be needed.
- Your doctor will hold pressure on the site to stop bleeding. Then, a bandage is put on the site.
- The procedure takes 10 to 20 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will remain lying down for 30 to 60 minutes. When the bleeding stops, your doctor will tell you if you can go home. If you had drugs to relax you, someone will need to drive you home.
- You may feel some pain. Talk with your doctor about what drugs you may take to help with this pain.
- You may apply ice packs if needed for discomfort.
What care is needed at home?
- The biopsy site may have some bruising.
- You may have to limit your activity for a day or two. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your biopsy site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Skin irritation
- Scarring
Where can I learn more?
Kids Health ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/aspiration.html ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/bmt/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚