[Milo_Minderbinder]

Where on the body is a bone marrow biopsy usually done?

by Milo_Minderbinder on Sat Feb 10, 2018 2:57 am

I have an appointment to see the haematologist next week. Assuming that I would be getting some further tests, I rang his office and asked if I needed to prepare in any way beforehand, e.g., fasting etc. The receptionist told me that the first meeting would be a consultation only.

Well, that's okay, but I did want to ask him one question that's been slightly disturbing me. But I don't think I need to wait until next week to ask it. It's this:

When they do a bone marrow biopsy with the long needle, where exactly do they insert the needle?

My GP merely said, "in your back", but I've read where people have had the needle inserted in the spine itself. That doesn't sound right to me, so I thought I'd ask here, of the many folks who no doubt have had the procedure done.

Thanks.

[Multibilly]

Re: Where on the body is a bone marrow biopsy usually done?

by Multibilly on Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:40 am

Usually, they do it on the iliac crest.

[Milo_Minderbinder]

Re: Where on the body is a bone marrow biopsy usually done?

by Milo_Minderbinder on Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:47 am

Ah, yes. That's where I thought it should be. Not too much tissue to push through.

Thanks, Billy.