This overview is a sample of the type of information available to you at Griffin Hospital's Community Health Resource Center. It is not intended to replace your physician's instructions in the management of your health problems, but to better inform you about a particular illness and alert you to the availability of other materials. If you have a question about any piece of information presented in theses fact sheets, please call your physician, or stop by the Community Health Resource Center at your convenience.

BONE MARROW ASPIRATION AND BIOPSY

Bone marrow is the soft material in the center of certain bones where the cell components of the blood are made. These include white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Your doctor may want to examine your bone marrow under a microscope if you are anemic (have too few red blood cells), have bleeding problems (too few platelets), or have frequent infections (not enough functioning white blood cells).

The bone marrow sample is usually drawn from your hip bone, although, it can also be taken from your sternum (breast bone). The procedure lasts only a few minutes and is usually performed in your room. If the sample is to be taken from your hip, you will be asked to lie on your side or on your abdomen. It is important that you lie very still so that your doctor can locate the area that will provide the best sample. Your doctor may give you a medication to help you relax.

When the procedure begins, your doctor will cleanse the area and then inject a local anesthetic. This may burn for a moment but then it will numb the area. A special needle is used to penetrate the bone. You will feel a sense of pressure as the needle is inserted. A syringe is then attached to the needle and a small amount of bone marrow is drawn out. You may feel some pain when the marrow is aspirated, or pulled into the syringe, but this will last for only a moment. The needle is then removed and the site is covered with a tight dressing to prevent bleeding.

The sample of bone marrow can then be examined under a microscope in the lab.

The results may not be available for several days.

Please note that this information is intended to give you a general overview of the topic. It is not intended to replace advice or instruction of a health professional. We recommend that you consult your physician, nurse, or qualified health professional regarding the information in this publication. © 1994 Planetree, Inc. Reproduction of this material in any form is limited to license agreement.

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