Information About Bone Marrow Biopsy

A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of marrow from inside the bone. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. It is found in the hollow part of most bones.

Bone marrow biopsy is not the same as bone marrow aspiration. An aspiration removes a small amount of marrow in liquid form for examination. You can also know more about the bone marrow biopsy via https://www.geneticistinc.com/.

How the Test is Performed

A bone marrow biopsy may be done in the health care provider's office or in a hospital. The sample may be taken from the pelvic or breast bone. Sometimes, another area is used.

Marrow is removed in the following steps:

  • If needed, you are given medicine to help you relax.
  • The provider cleans the skin and injects numbing medicine into the area and surface of the bone.
  • A biopsy needle is inserted into the bone. The center of the needle is removed and the hollowed needle is moved deeper into the bone. This captures a tiny sample, or core, of bone marrow within the needle.
  • The sample and needle are removed.
  • Pressure and then a bandage is applied to the skin.

A bone marrow aspiration may also be done, usually, before the biopsy is taken. After the skin is numbed, the needle is inserted into the bone, and a syringe is used to withdraw the liquid bone marrow. If this is done, the needle will be removed and repositioned. Or, another needle may be used for the biopsy.