- Precise Blood Disorder Diagnosis
Accurate Diagnosis, Right From the Source
Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside your bones that makes blood cells. A bone marrow examination looks at a small sample of marrow to find out why your blood counts are abnormal, to diagnose blood and bone marrow diseases, or to check how well a treatment is working.
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- Bone Marrow Examination
Conditions Treated: Why is it advised?
Your doctor may recommend it if you have:
- Unexplained anaemia, or persistently low or high blood counts
- Abnormal cells seen in a blood test
- Prolonged fever, weight loss, or night sweats
- Bone pain, frequent infections, or easy bruising or bleeding
- Suspected leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma
- A need to check whether cancer has spread to the marrow
- Follow-up after treatment or transplant
Conditions diagnosed or monitored
Leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, aplastic anaemia, iron or vitamin deficiency conditions, and infections affecting the marrow.
Before the procedure
Before a bone marrow examination, your care team checks that the procedure is safe for you. The doctor explains each step and reviews your medicines, so you know what to expect. Wear comfortable clothing and follow the instructions you are given on the day.
Blood tests, including a clotting profile
Tell the doctor about blood thinners, aspirin, allergies, or anaesthetic reactions. Medicines may need to be paused.
Consent after explanation
A light meal is usually fine unless sedation is planned. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
What happens during the procedure?
1
You lie on your side or stomach.
2
The skin over the hip bone is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic.
3
The needle is passed into the bone and marrow is drawn (you may feel brief pressure or a pulling pain).
4
A small core is taken for the biopsy.
5
Pressure and a dressing are applied.
The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Sedation is available, and is commonly used in children.
What tests are done on the sample?
Morphology (microscope examination), flow cytometry, cytogenetics and FISH, molecular tests, and special stains or cultures. Preliminary results may be available in a few days, and full reports can take 1 to 2 weeks.
After care and recovery
- Lie on your back for 15 to 30 minutes after the procedure
- Keep the dressing clean and dry for 24 hours
- Use paracetamol for pain if needed (avoid aspirin unless advised)
- Avoid heavy exercise or swimming for a day or two
- Most people return to normal activity the next day
When to call your doctor?
Contact us:
Bleeding that soaks through the dressing
Increasing swelling or pain at the site
Redness or discharge at the site
Fever or numbness or weakness in the leg
- FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The area is numbed, so most people feel pressure and a brief ache. Sedation can be arranged.
Yes, it is a day-care procedure.
Not if you were sedated. Bring a companion.
Usually within several days, with special tests taking longer.
Yes, it is often repeated to monitor treatment.
Questions About Your Bone Marrow Test?
Our hematologists and oncologists are here to explain why the test is advised and what the procedure involves. Book an appointment for yourself or a loved one, and we will guide you through the next step.