Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy is a way for your healthcare provider to see exactly what is going on in your marrow. From the results, they can determine if there is an overproduction of certain cells, an underproduction of blood cells, or abnormalities in the structures of the cells.
These two tests are done at the same time, and may be done in the doctor’s office or clinic, or at the hospital. The healthcare provider will have you lie on your side. They will use an antiseptic agent to cleanse the skin on the area where they will take the sample from -- usually the hip but possibly the breastbone. They will then cover the surrounding area with a sterile drape.
Once the skin is cleaned, the doctor will inject some anesthetic into the area using a small needle. You may feel a burning or stinging sensation at this time. Once the freezing has taken effect, the healthcare provider will then insert a larger needle that will reach into the bone and marrow. Patients say they experience a dull pressure while the needle is being inserted. With the needle in place, the physician will attach a syringe and withdraw some of the liquid marrow. This is called the aspiration.
Next, a hollow needle is inserted into the space. This needle will remove a small sample of bone tissue, as well as some marrow. This is called the biopsy.
After these samples are collected, your healthcare provider will cover the puncture site with a bandage, and may ask you to continue to lie still for a few minutes.
Often, you will not have any pain in the sample area until after the freezing wears off. Warm packs and mild pain relievers are usually enough to make patients more comfortable after this period. Ask your healthcare provider what they recommend.
