Bone Marrow Aspirations

A Bone Marrow Aspiration is a simple, safe procedure that can provide useful information about your blood cells. 

To help you before your procedure, we have collected some common questions about BMA and their answers. If you still have questions after reading this, please make certain you bring them to your doctor’s attention.

Contents:
What is Bone Marrow?
What is a Bone Marrow Aspiration?
Why are Bone Marrows done?
How is a Bone Marrow Aspiration performed?
How will the test feel?
Are there any risks?
How will I find out the results?

What is Bone Marrow?

Bone Marrow is the soft, gelatinous tissue that fills bone cavities.  There are two types of marrow - red and yellow.   People are born with only red marrow, and as we grow, some of the red marrow is replaced with yellow.  By the time we're adults, only half of the marrow is red.  The red marrow produces platelets, red and white blood cells; the yellow marrow contains fat and connective tissue.  Marrow may also contain abnormal cells that are not usually present, such as cancer cells. Bone marrow examination helps diagnose diseases related to blood and blood-forming organs.

What is a Bone Marrow Aspiration?

A bone marrow procedure (commonly referred to as a bone marrow aspiration) is a technique used to obtain the blood-forming portion (red marrow) of the inner core of bone for examination in the laboratory.  

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Why are Bone Marrows done?

Most bone marrows are performed to diagnose various conditions that affect the different types of blood cells. Another frequent reason is to diagnose certain cancers or to determine the extent of the cancer (cancer staging). This procedure can also be used to obtain marrow for transplantation.

How is a Bone Marrow Aspiration performed?

The site of puncture is cleansed with an antiseptic solution, and the patient is given a local anesthetic at the area. The site may be the pelvic bone (ilium) or the breastbone.  Occasionally, another bone is selected. A special needle (a needle with a syringe attached that will create a suction) is inserted into a bone that contains marrow, and a small sample of the bone marrow  fluid (called marrow aspirate) is withdrawn. The fluid is placed on a slide for microscopic examination.

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How will the test feel?

There will be a needle prick and slight burning sensation with the local anesthetic.  As the needle is inserted into the bone, slight pressure may be felt.  There is a sharp sucking sensation as the marrow is aspirated, which lasts for a few moments. 

Are there any risks?

Some bleeding may occur at the puncture site.  More serious risks, such as heavy bleeding or infection, are rare.  Before the procedure, the patient should be sure to tell his/her doctor what medications are being taken, if he/she any known allergies, if he/she has any bleeding problems, or if she may be pregnant.

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How will I find out the results?

The HPA pathologists communicate results of every test to the patient's primary physician.  This is usually done within 2-3 days.

This information is provided as educational purposes only and is no substitute for specific medical advice.