Bone Marrow Tests for Leukemia
Doctors often use bone marrow tests to confirm a leukemia diagnosis. You may also have bone marrow tests for monitoring throughout leukemia treatment.
Your bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside your bones containing cells and liquid. A bone marrow test analyzes a sample of these cells and liquid or spongy tissue.
What is a bone marrow biopsy for leukemia?
An aspiration uses a hollow needle to take a small sample of the cells and liquid in your bone marrow. A biopsy uses a hollow needle to take a small piece of the spongy tissue of your bone marrow. You often have these tests at the same time.
A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy can help your care team:
- Confirm a leukemia diagnosis
- Identify the cause of irregular blood cell counts
- Plan leukemia treatment
- Track your progress or response throughout leukemia treatment
What to expect during a bone marrow biopsy
You usually have a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in a doctor’s office or in a hospital. It’s a bedside procedure, so you don’t have to prepare for surgery or go to an operating room.
You get local anesthesia so the area where your doctor inserts the needle is numb. The doctor may also give you another type of anesthesia so you remain relaxed or asleep during the procedure.
During a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy:
- You lie on your hip or side so your doctor has easy access to the opposite hip bone.
- The doctor inserts a hollow needle into the back of your hip bone. They use a syringe to take a sample of bone marrow liquid and cells.
- They insert a wider needle in a different place on the same hip bone. They use the needle to take a small piece of bone filled with spongy tissue.
The procedure can be painful but doesn’t take long. Some people have lingering bone pain or bruising for a few days.
Helpful resources
Support can make a big difference when facing a leukemia diagnosis. Connect with others through our peer support programs or browse our directory of resources for patients, families, and caregivers.
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