A bone marrow test, sometimes also called a bone marrow trephine or aspiration, is a test where the cells in the bone marrow are removed and examined so that the structure and cells within the bone marrow can be analysed.
The bone marrow – found in the centre of bones - is where the cells of the blood and some of the cells of the immune system are formed.
What does a bone marrow biopsy involve?
In this test, a sharp needle is used to enter the bone marrow - usually in the hip bone towards the lower end of the back - where the bone is quite close to the skin. This area can be easily accessed by the bone marrow needle.
A small amount of liquid bone marrow is usually drawn off and placed onto slides that are then sent off to a laboratory and examined.
A small piece of the bone marrow itself is also usually taken for examination.
It takes two to three days for the majority of the results of the bone marrow biopsy to be available. The laboratory forwards these to the doctor who ordered the procedure.
Is a bone marrow biopsy painful?
Although anaesthetic is used, this can sometimes be an uncomfortable test.
A local anaesthetic is used before the bone marrow needle is inserted and this helps with any pain.
A sedative can also be given to help manage any discomfort.
In the UK, bone marrow tests are almost always performed in a hospital clinic.
What are the risks of having a bone marrow biopsy?
This is a safe test, so the risks are small when the bone marrow biopsy is performed by experienced doctors.
There can sometimes be bleeding where the needle is inserted but putting pressure on this area after the bone marrow has been taken reduces this risk.
Occasionally infection can occur at the site of the bone marrow but keeping the wound cleaned afterwards can also reduce this risk.
Finally, the site of the biopsy can be painful for a number of days afterwards but simple painkillers are usually all that are needed to reduce this.
The approximate risk of one of these complications happening is about 1 in 1000.
What do I need to do after having a bone marrow biopsy?
Sometimes the site of the bone marrow biopsy can be painful for a day or two after the procedure.
Simple painkillers (eg, paracetamol) should be enough to control this pain.
You usually have a dressing placed over the site where the bone marrow biopsy was performed - ask your doctor for information regarding the best way to care for the wound.
If you experience increasing pain at the site of the bone marrow biopsy, contact your doctor.
Remember that if you have sedation, you will not be able to drive home after the procedure.
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