Bone Marrow Aspiration And Biopsy: Risks

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Risks

Serious problems from a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy are not common. Problems may include:

• Bleeding from the biopsy site. People with bleeding problems have a higher chance for this. If you have bleeding problems, pressure will be put on the biopsy site for at least 10 minutes after the biopsy. In rare cases, you may be given a blood product (clotting factor or platelets) in a vein in your arm before the biopsy to prevent bleeding after the biopsy.
• Infection of skin or the bone (osteomyelitis) at the biopsy site.
• Injury to your heart, a lung, or a major blood vessel if the sample is taken from the breastbone (sternum). This complication is very rare. Samples are not often taken from the breastbone, so most people do not have to worry about this risk.

After the biopsy

You will lie down for 10 to 15 minutes after the biopsy so the site can be checked for bleeding. Your bandage can be taken off after 1 hour. If you had a sedative, you will need someone to drive you home after the biopsy.

You may feel sore at the biopsy site for several days. Ice packs to the site, walking, and pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can be used to help you feel better.

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• More tenderness, pain, redness, or swelling at the biopsy site.
• A fever.
• Bleeding or drainage, such as pus, from the biopsy site. If you are bleeding, put pressure on the site and call your doctor.

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Last updated:	January 29, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer