Bone marrow aspiration

Bone marrow aspiration may be done in your health care provider's office or in a hospital. The bone marrow is removed from your pelvic or breast bone. Sometimes, another bone is selected. Marrow is removed in the following steps: If needed, you are given medicine to help you relax. Your provider cleans the skin and…

Tell your provider: If you are allergic to any medicines If you are pregnant If you have bleeding problems What medicines you are taking

You will feel a sting and slight burning sensation when the numbing medicine is applied. You may feel pressure as the needle is inserted into the bone, and a sharp and usually painful sucking sensation as the marrow is removed. This feeling lasts for only a few seconds.

Your provider may order this test if you have abnormal types or numbers of red or white blood cells or platelets on a complete blood count. This test is used to diagnose: Anemia (some types) Infections Leukemia Other blood cancers and disorders It may help determine whether cancers have spread or responded to…

The bone marrow should contain the proper number and types of: Blood-forming cells Connective tissues Fat cells

Abnormal results may be due to cancers of the bone marrow, including: Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) Abnormal results may also be due to other causes, such as: Bone marrow doesn't make enough blood cells ( aplastic…

There may be some bleeding at the puncture site. More serious risks, such as serious bleeding or infection, are very rare.

Bates I, Burthem J. Bone marrow biopsy. In: Bain BJ, Bates I, Laffan MA, eds. Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 7. Choby BA. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA:…