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May 18, 2013
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Bone Marrow Biopsy (cont.)

Medical Author:
Troy M. Falck, MD
Coauthor:
Darilyn Campbell Falck, MD
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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During the Procedure

  • The doctor will choose a place to withdraw bone marrow. Often this is the hip (pelvic bone), but it also can be done from the breastbone (sternum), lower leg bone (tibia), or backbone (vertebra).
  • The chosen site will be cleaned with a special soap (iodine solution) or alcohol. After the skin is clean, sterile towels will be placed around the area. It is important the patient des not touch this area once it has become sterile.
  • Local anesthetic, usually lidocaine, will be injected with a tiny needle at the site. Initially, there may be a little sting followed by a burning sensation. After a few minutes, the site will become numb. A needle is then placed through the skin and into the bone. The patient may feel a pressure sensation.
    • For the bone marrow aspiration, a small amount of bone marrow is then pulled into a syringe.
    • A bone marrow biopsy is then usually performed. A somewhat larger needle is then put in the same place and a small sample of bone and marrow is taken up into the needle.
  • The wound site may bleed a small amount, so pressure is applied for a few minutes. A sterile bandage is then applied.

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy »

The procedure known as trepanning, or trephination, of bone is the oldest surgical practice that continues to have clinical relevance inmodern times.

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