Bone Marrow Biopsy

The sample is usually taken from the pelvic bone at the back of the hip (from the fleshy part) or sometimes from the breastbone (sternum). Before the procedure, the skin and especially the bone membrane (periosteum) are completely numbed with a local anesthetic needle. Only a pressure is felt while piercing the bone, but during that 1-2 second part when the marrow is drawn with a syringe, patients may feel a sudden, temporary twinge radiating from the hip to the leg.

The sampling (entering and exiting the bone) part usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes. After the procedure, a pressure bandage is applied to the entry site. The patient is asked to lie on their back on a sandbag for 30 minutes against the risk of bleeding and to avoid heavy exercise and bathing on the same day.