Bone marrow biopsy

A bone marrow biopsy is when a small sample of bone marrow is taken and looked at under the microscope to see if there's anything wrong. This test will help to confirm your diagnosis and plan any treatment. It's done by a doctor who'll explain the test to you. It will take 20 to 30 minutes to complete. It is a good idea to go to the toilet beforehand.

The doctor takes a small sample of bone marrow from the back of your hip bone or very rarely from your breastbone. You'll be offered Entonox gas before the procedure to help you relax and provide pain relief.

Before the doctor takes the sample, they'll ask you to lie on your side. The skin over your hip bone will be cleaned and local anaesthetic will be injected to numb the area.

The doctor will then pass a small needle through your skin and into your bone. The doctor will draw a sample of your bone marrow fluid up into the syringe. This is called bone marrow aspiration.

You may need a small piece of bone marrow removed. This is called a trephine biopsy. A special type of needle is used to do this. The doctor passes it through your skin into your bone. The doctor then gently turns the needle back and forth and when they remove the needle, a small piece of bone marrow comes out.

Cultural needs

For some people, it's important to have their bone marrow returned to them after it has been tested. For example, many Māori choose to have their bone marrow returned. This is so it can be blessed and buried in a significant place. If you would like this option, please speak with your doctor at the bone marrow biopsy procedure.

Sometimes your bone marrow can't be returned since the laboratory has to use all of it. But speak up if having your bone marrow returned is important to you. The Haematology Service will try to get it back to you wherever possible.

If you have any special needs, it's important that you give at least five days’ notice. Examples of special needs include:

you need an interpreter
you would prefer a female or a male doctor
you would like a karakia during the procedure.

Contact the Haematology Outpatient nurses on (03) 769-7632 if you want:

more information before your procedure
to arrange an interpreter
support from a Māori health worker.

After your bone marrow biopsy

You'll need to lie on a bed where nurses will watch you for half an hour or so to make sure you're okay to go home.
You may have a bruise and feel uncomfortable for a few days. Taking mild pain relief such as paracetamol (Panadol, Paracare) may help. Talk to your doctor or nurse about this.
It will take around five to 10 days to get the results of your biopsy.

Possible complications

You may get some minor bleeding from the biopsy site. Your nurse will make sure this has stopped before you leave the hospital.
There's a small risk that the biopsy site will become infected. Before you leave the hospital, you'll be given information on what to watch out for and what to do.
If you're feeling unwell, have a fever or any other concerns related to the procedure, please contact the Haematology Service using the contact details below.

Contacting the Haematology Service

For non-urgent nursing advice, phone Haematology Outpatients on (03) 769-7632, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4.30 pm.

If you're feeling unwell, have a fever or other concerns, contact:

Haematology Outpatients on 027-484-9743, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4.30 pm

Written by the Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2020. Last updated June 2020.

Sources

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