What To Expect From A Bone Marrow Biopsy

How To Prepare

Most individuals will undergo their bone marrow biopsy on an outpatient basis. A bone marrow biopsy is usually performed by a physician who specializes in blood disorders, called a hematologist, or an oncologist, who is a doctor that specializes in cancer. Some patients will be able to undergo this procedure under local anesthesia, while others may choose to have intravenous twilight sedation. Should intravenous sedation be used, the patient should not consume any fluids or food for at least eight hours before the time of their bone marrow biopsy. An individual who decides to have intravenous sedation will need to arrange for a ride to and from the facility where the procedure will be carried out. The physician performing the bone marrow biopsy should be made aware of all medications and supplements the patient takes regularly. An individual who takes antiplatelets, anticoagulants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs regularly will need to stop taking them several days before their bone marrow biopsy to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.

Read about how the procedure works next.