What happens during a bone marrow test?Bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy tests are usually given at the same time. A doctor or other health care provider will perform the tests. Before the tests, the provider may ask you to put on a hospital gown. The provider will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. You may be given a mild sedative, a medicine that will help you relax. During the test:You'll lie down on your side or your stomach, depending on which bone will be used for testing. Most bone marrow tests are taken from the hip bone.Your body will be covered with cloth, so that only the area around the testing site is showing.The site will be cleaned with an antiseptic.You will get an injection of a numbing solution. It may sting.Once the area is numb, the health care provider will take the sample. You will need to lie very still during the tests.For a bone marrow aspiration, which is usually performed first, the health care provider will insert a needle through the bone and pull out bone marrow fluid and cells. You may feel a sharp but brief pain when the needle is inserted.For a bone marrow biopsy, the health care provider will use a special tool that twists into the bone to take out a sample of bone marrow tissue. You may feel some pressure on the site while the sample is being taken.It takes about 10 minutes to perform both tests.After the test, the health care provider will cover the site with a bandage.Plan to have someone drive you home, since you may be given a sedative before the tests, which may make you drowsy.
