Bone Marrow Biopsy Care
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Bone Marrow Biopsy Details
Alternate Names for Bone Marrow Biopsy:
Biopsy, bone marrow
Your doctor may perform a physical exam and blood tests.
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
- Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
- Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)
Local anesthesia will be used. It will numb the area.
Description of ProcedureYou may be given a light sedative. It will help you relax. The biopsy area will be cleaned and numbed.
A hollow biopsy needle will be inserted into the bone. The needle will be twisted and advanced. This motion will allow a sample of bone marrow to enter the core of the needle. The doctor may need to use a fair amount of pressure and may need to rock the needle. The needle will then be removed. The bone marrow sample will be inside the needle. Pressure will be applied over the puncture area. A bandage will be applied.
Immediately After ProcedureThe bone marrow specimen will be examined by a pathologist. Ask your doctor when to expect the results.
How Long Will It Take?About 30 minutes
Will It Hurt?The injection of anesthesia may sting or burn. You may notice a sensation of pressure and/or pain when the biopsy needle is rocked. Once the biopsy is done, you may feel soreness in the area for a few hours.
Post-procedure Care At HomeYou should be able to resume your normal activities after your biopsy. If you have had a sedative, avoid driving or operating equipment until the effects of the medicine have worn off.
Be sure to follow all of your doctor's instructions .
Learn
 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
