A bone marrow
is the removal of marrow from inside one of your bones. 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
. An aspiration removes a small amount of marrow in liquid form for examination.
A bone marrow biopsy may be done in your 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.
Your 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 are 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.
Tell your provider:
If you are allergic to any medicines
What medicines you are taking
If you have bleeding problems
If you are pregnant
You will feel a sharp sting when the numbing medicine is injected. The biopsy needle may also cause a brief, usually dull, pain. Since the inside of the bone cannot be numbed, this test may cause some discomfort.
If a bone marrow aspiration is also done, you may feel a brief, sharp pain as the bone marrow liquid is removed.
Your provider may order this test if you have abnormal types or numbers of red or white blood cells or platelets on a
(CBC).
This test is used to diagnose:
(some types)
Certain infections
Other blood cancers and disorders
It may also be used to help determine if a
has spread or responded to treatment.
A normal result means the bone marrow contains the proper number and types of blood-forming (hematopoietic) cells, fat cells, and connective tissues.
There may be some bleeding at the puncture site. More serious risks, such as serious bleeding or infection, are very rare.
Biopsy - bone marrow
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.
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Bone marrow aspiration analysis-specimen (biopsy, bone marrow iron stain, iron stain, bone marrow). In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:241-244.
Choby BA. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 220.
Vajpayee N, Graham SS, Bem S. Basic examination of blood and bone marrow. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 31.
Updated by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.