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Bone Marrow Biopsy

The cornerstone diagnostic procedure for hematologic disease.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Hematoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Bone Marrow Biopsy?

Bone marrow biopsy is the procedure of obtaining marrow tissue with a fine or trephine needle, most commonly from the iliac crest (rarely from the sternum), for microscopic and molecular analysis. Aspirate (the fluid component) and biopsy (the core tissue) are evaluated together.

The procedure is used in the diagnosis and staging of leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS, aplastic anemia, and bone marrow metastasis, as well as in the monitoring of treatment response. Cytologic, histologic, flow cytometric, cytogenetic, and molecular studies can all be performed from the same sample.

Biopsy is an outpatient procedure of 15-20 minutes performed under local anesthesia. Brief pressure and pain may be felt during the procedure, with mild tenderness expected for a few days afterward. The risk of serious complications is very low.

Symptoms

Indications for bone marrow biopsy:
Unexplained pancytopenia or single-lineage cytopenia
Suspected leukemia or MDS
Lymphoma or myeloma staging
Fever of unknown origin (kala-azar, tuberculosis)
Storage diseases (Gaucher, Niemann-Pick)
Engraftment evaluation after stem cell transplantation

Risk Factors

Procedural risk is generally low
Bleeding risk: increased in severe thrombocytopenia — platelet transfusion may be required
Infection risk: minimized with sterile technique
Pain: controlled with local anesthesia
Nerve injury: rare, due to technical error
Transient pain and tenderness at the procedure site is expected
Temporary dose adjustment may be needed for patients on anticoagulants

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When pain, swelling, or fever increase at the procedure site
  • When bleeding cannot be stopped
  • When numbness or weakness develops at the procedure area
  • Attend a hematology follow-up to discuss biopsy results
  • Consult the hematologist to evaluate results and create a treatment plan

Treatment Methods

01
Pre-procedure: anticoagulant management, platelet count check
02
Intra-procedure: local anesthesia (lidocaine), patient positioning
03
Post-procedure: pressure dressing, 24-hour wound care
04
Pain management: paracetamol or NSAIDs (if no platelet issue)
05
Result interpretation: cytology, histology, flow cytometry, FISH, molecular tests
06
Treatment plan formulation based on findings

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Hematoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Hematoloji Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.