What to expect
- Pre-procedure, you will have to fast for a short period (under 6 hours), and may have to adjust some medications.
- A bone marrow biopsy is done under local anaesthetic often with laughing gas or light sedation.
- The biopsy is normally taken from a bony point at the back of the pelvis above the buttock.
- A needle will be used to collect the sample.
- The procedure usually takes between 10-15 minutes.
- You may experience some pain during the collection – while injecting local anaesthetic, as the needle enters the marrow and when the marrow is removed.
- There are no stitches needed. Once test is complete a dressing is placed over the area
- After the collection you need to stay for a while to ensure you recover without any issues – this may be for up to 2 hours if you receive intravenous (IV) sedation.
