Bone Marrow Aspiration - Bone Marrow Biopsy

A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of cells are taken from the marrow of the pelvic bone.

Who is a candidate for the procedure?

A person may undergo a bone marrow biopsy in order to:

How is the procedure performed?

First, the skin over the rear of the pelvic bone is cleansed. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Sometimes a drug is given intravenously to help calm the person having the procedure. A hollow stainless steel needle is inserted into the back part of the pelvic bone. Once it is inside the bone, a sample of the liquid marrow is drawn into the syringe.

Sometimes a larger hollow needle is used to obtain a solid core specimen of marrow from the same area. No incision or sutures are needed. The sample taken is checked under a microscope for abnormal cells.