Understanding Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy provide important information about the health and function of bone marrow. These procedures can help doctors diagnose and monitor blood disorders, cancers, and other conditions affecting blood-cell production.
What Are Bone Marrow Procedures?
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are medical procedures used to obtain samples from bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside certain bones where blood cells are produced.
The samples can be examined by specialists to evaluate blood-cell production and the structure and cellular composition of the marrow.
These procedures may provide valuable information when doctors are investigating blood disorders, cancers, unexplained blood-count abnormalities, or monitoring a known condition.
Why Is Bone Marrow Important?
Healthy bone marrow plays an essential role in producing the cells that circulate in the blood and support important functions throughout the body.
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. Abnormal production can contribute to conditions such as anemia.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells are important components of the immune system and help the body respond to infections and other threats.
Platelets
Platelets help blood clot. Abnormal platelet production can contribute to bleeding or clotting problems.
Aspiration vs Biopsy
Although they are often performed during the same appointment, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy obtain different types of samples and provide different information.
Bone Marrow Aspiration
Aspiration removes a small amount of liquid bone marrow, typically using a needle inserted into the back of the hipbone.
- Provides a liquid marrow sample
- Allows examination of individual blood-forming cells
- Can help assess cell quantity and appearance
- Can contribute to diagnosis of blood and marrow disorders
Bone Marrow Biopsy
Biopsy removes a small solid core of bone marrow tissue, allowing doctors to examine the architecture and cellular composition of the marrow.
- Provides a solid tissue sample
- Shows marrow structure and cellularity
- Provides information not available from aspiration alone
- Can help evaluate certain marrow disorders and cancers
Why Are These Procedures Performed?
Your healthcare team may recommend bone marrow aspiration and biopsy for several diagnostic or monitoring purposes.
Diagnosis
These procedures can help investigate conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and other blood or marrow disorders.
Disease Monitoring
They may be used to evaluate a known condition, monitor changes over time, or assess response to treatment in selected diseases.
Evaluating Marrow Disorders
Bone marrow examination can help identify and characterize disorders affecting the production or development of blood cells.
Assessing Blood Cell Production
The samples can provide information about whether blood cells are being produced in appropriate numbers and how the cells appear.
Understanding the Procedure
Your healthcare team will explain the procedure beforehand and discuss preparation, pain control, and aftercare. The exact experience can vary from person to person.
You are briefed about the procedure, and your medical team reviews relevant health information and medications.
The procedure is commonly performed with the patient positioned to provide access to the back of the hipbone.
Local anesthetic is typically used to numb the skin and tissues around the procedure site.
A needle is used to obtain liquid marrow for aspiration and, when indicated, a small solid core for biopsy.
The collected samples are sent for appropriate laboratory and specialist examination.
What Can You Expect Afterwards?
Many people experience some temporary soreness at the procedure site. Your healthcare team will provide instructions specific to your situation.
Mild Soreness
The biopsy area may feel sore or tender for a period after the procedure. Follow the pain-management advice provided by your healthcare team.
Site Care
Keep the procedure site clean and follow any dressing or wound-care instructions provided by your healthcare team.
Follow-Up
Your healthcare provider will discuss when results are expected and what follow-up may be needed based on the findings.
Bone Marrow Procedure FAQ
Answers to common questions about bone marrow aspiration, biopsy, preparation, results, and recovery.
Understanding Your Procedure Can Make It Feel More Manageable
It is completely reasonable to have questions before a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy. Your healthcare team can explain why the procedure has been recommended, how the sample will be collected, how discomfort will be managed, and what happens after the procedure.
Medical Information Disclaimer
This page is intended for general educational and awareness purposes only. It should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are medical procedures whose indications, preparation, risks, pain-control methods, laboratory testing, and follow-up vary depending on the individual patient and the medical condition being investigated. If your healthcare provider has recommended one of these procedures, discuss your questions and concerns directly with your qualified healthcare team.