Health Topics for Tests and Exams

Respiratory Care

Cellular Immunology Diagnostic Lab

Bone Marrow Biopsy

Bone marrow is spongy tissue in the center of bones. It produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and clotting cells called platelets. A biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue for laboratory testing. Bone marrow biopsy is a procedure that removes a sample of tissue from the center of a bone.

A Bone Marrow Biopsy helps diagnose blood disorders. These include:

• types of anemia, which are low numbers of red blood cells

• low levels of white blood cells or platelets

• blood cell cancers, such as leukemia

• infections

• other certain types of cancer and

• side effects of cancer therapy

A bone marrow biopsy usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes. There are no restrictions for eating or drinking before the test. The patient receives an injection with a local pain killer at the biopsy site. He or she is awake for the procedure.

The biopsy involves passing a needle through the skin and into the bone. The most common bones to sample are the breast bone or the backside of the pelvic bone. The patient feels pressure when the needle is inserted. There may be a brief, uncomfortable, pulling feeling when the marrow is removed.

An aspiration biopsy draws out marrow fluid by suction. A needle biopsy removes a small plug of solid marrow. A blood sample from the arm is usually taken at the same time. Occasionally, more than one biopsy must be performed from different sites.

The test results indicate whether the various types of blood cells are in balance and developing normally. Too many or too few of certain cell types may indicate specific diseases. The test also reports on certain blood functions, such as clotting.

After the biopsy, one should watch the site for bleeding, redness, or swelling. If you see these signs or notice a rapid pulse or fever after a biopsy, contact your healthcare provider.

Consult the UI Health Care Cancer Information Service for more information about this topic.

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