
If you're anxious about pain, you may be given an IV medication so that you're either completely or partially sedated during the bone marrow exam. Many people choose to also have light sedation for additional pain relief. With local anesthesia, bone marrow aspiration, in particular, can cause brief, but sharp, pain. Your blood pressure and heart rate will be checked, and you'll be given some form of anesthesia to keep you comfortable.Ī bone marrow examination can be done with only local anesthesia to numb the area where the needles will be inserted. Extra time is needed for preparation and post-procedure care, especially if you receive intravenous (IV) sedation. The bone marrow exam typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes. But bone marrow exams may also be performed by nurses with special training. The procedures are usually done by a doctor who specializes in blood disorders (hematologist) or cancer (oncologist). In some cases, your doctor may give you a sedative medication before your exam, in addition to a numbing agent (local anesthesia) at the site where the needle is inserted.Ī bone marrow aspiration and biopsy can be done in a hospital, clinic or doctor's office. Discuss your worries about the exam with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you're nervous about your procedure. Certain medications and supplements may increase your risk of bleeding after a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Tell your doctor about medications and supplements you take. You'll also need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home afterward. If you'll be receiving a sedative during the bone marrow exam, your doctor may ask you to stop eating and drinking for a period of time before the procedure. Special preparation usually isn't needed. Rarely, penetration of the breastbone (sternum) during sternal aspirations, which can cause heart or lung problemsīone marrow exams are often performed on an outpatient basis. Long-lasting discomfort at the bone marrow exam site. #Who cannot donate bone marrow skin
Infection, generally of the skin at the site of the exam, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Excessive bleeding, particularly in people with low numbers of a certain type of blood cell (platelets). Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Risksīone marrow exams are generally safe procedures. Cancers that have spread from another area, such as the breast, into the bone marrow. Cancers of the blood or bone marrow, including leukemias, lymphomas and multiple myeloma. Blood cell conditions in which too few or too many of certain types of blood cells are produced, such as leukopenia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, pancytopenia and polycythemia. Determine whether iron levels are adequateĪ bone marrow exam may be used for many conditions. Determine the stage or progression of a disease. Diagnose a disease or condition involving the bone marrow or blood cells. Your doctor may perform a bone marrow exam to: Your doctor may order a bone marrow exam if blood tests are abnormal or don't provide enough information about a suspected problem.
A bone marrow exam offers detailed information about the condition of your bone marrow and blood cells.