Bone marrow aspiration is a medical procedure performed to obtain a sample of the liquid part of your bone marrow. This test is often done first, typically before a bone marrow biopsy if both are needed.
The Aspiration Process
The procedure is carried out by a doctor or nurse and involves several key steps to safely access the bone marrow and collect a sample.
Here's how bone marrow aspiration is usually performed, based on standard practice:
- Skin Preparation: A small incision is made in the skin at the sample site, usually the back of the hip bone (pelvis).
- Needle Insertion: A special hollow needle is carefully inserted through the bone.
- Reaching the Marrow: The needle is advanced until it reaches the bone marrow cavity.
- Sample Collection: A syringe is attached to the end of the needle.
- Withdrawal: Using the syringe, a sample of the liquid portion of the bone marrow is gently withdrawn into the syringe.
This liquid sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
