Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: An Overview

A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are procedures performed to collect and examine bone marrowthe spongy tissue found inside some of your larger bones. Bone marrow contains the developing blood cells that eventually become red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. By examining this tissue, doctors can gain critical information about the health of your blood and immune system.

Why the Procedure is Performed

These procedures are typically recommended when blood tests show abnormal results that cannot be fully explained. Doctors utilize these tests to diagnose or monitor several conditions, including:

• Blood cell disorders: Conditions where your body produces too many or too few of certain blood cells, such as anemia or leukopenia.
• Blood cancers: Conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.
• Fevers of unknown origin: When doctors suspect an infection or inflammatory condition hidden within the marrow.
• Metastatic cancer: To see if cancer that started in another organ, such as the lung or breast, has spread to the bone marrow.

Understanding the Difference

How the Procedure is Performed

The procedure is generally performed in a hospital or an outpatient clinic. Most often, the sample is taken from the back of the pelvic bone (the hip). In some cases, it may be taken from the front of the hip or, rarely, the breastbone.

During the process, you will be asked to lie on your side or stomach. After the area is cleaned, a local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin and the surface of the bone. You may feel a brief, sharp sting from the injection. Once the area is numb, the physician inserts the aspiration needle, followed by the biopsy needle. You may feel a brief sensation of pressure or pulling during the extraction of the sample.

Risks and Recovery

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are considered safe procedures, though they carry minor risks, including bleeding at the site, infection, or persistent pain. Most patients recover quickly.

After the procedure, a bandage is placed over the site. It is recommended that you keep the area dry for at least 24 hours. Most patients can resume their normal activities the following day, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few days. If you experience persistent fever, increasing pain, or significant bleeding, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Interpreting Results

The samples are sent to a laboratory where a pathologist examines the cells. It may take several days to a week to receive the full results, as some testssuch as genetic analysis or special stainingrequire time to process. Your doctor will then discuss the findings with you, explaining whether the results indicate a healthy marrow, a deficiency, or the presence of a disease that requires further treatment.