Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Bone Marrow Biopsy?
A hematologist, a doctor who treats blood diseases, or an oncologist, a cancer doctor, commonly handles a bone marrow biopsy. It may be done in a provider's office or in a hospital. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of marrow from inside one of your bones. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. A biopsy removes a small piece of bone and bone marrow. A bone marrow aspiration is not the same, because it removes a small amount of marrow in liquid form. The two are usually done at the same time.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Your provider may order this test if a blood test shows unusual types or numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. The test is used to help diagnose some types of anemia, certain infections, leukemia, and other blood cancers and disorders. It may also help show if a cancer has spread or responded to treatment.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicines, are pregnant, have bleeding problems, or take medicines.
- You may need to stop certain medicines, but do not stop any unless your provider tells you to.
- Your provider will tell you whether you need to fast, which means not eating or drinking, for a few hours.
- Plan to have someone take you home, because medicine to relax or sleep can make you drowsy.
What happens during it
You may be asked to put on a hospital gown, and your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature will be checked. You may choose a mild sedative, medicine to help you relax, or stronger medicine that makes you sleep. The sample is usually taken from the pelvic bone, at the back of the hip.
- You lie on your side or your stomach.
- Your provider cleans the skin and injects numbing medicine into the area and the surface of the bone.
- A hollow needle is put into the bone and twisted to take out a small piece of bone marrow.
- Your provider presses on the skin and then covers the area with a bandage.
Usually, the samples can be collected in about ten minutes. You will feel a sharp sting when the numbing medicine is injected. Since the inside of the bone cannot be numbed, this test may cause some discomfort.
Recovery
If you did not use medicine to relax or sleep, you will usually stay lying down for about 15 minutes. If you did, you will need to stay longer before you go home. You may need to avoid hard physical activity and keep the bandage dry for at least a day. You may feel sore for a week or more. Your provider can tell you which pain relievers are safe to use. Certain pain relievers, such as aspirin, could raise your risk of bleeding.
Risks and side effects
There may be some bleeding at the puncture site. More serious risks, such as serious bleeding or infection, are very rare. Call your provider if you have increased pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, or other fluids leaking from the area, or a fever. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Who performs it
A provider collects the marrow samples. The test may be done in a hospital, a provider's office, or a clinic. A hematologist, a doctor who treats blood diseases, or an oncologist, a cancer doctor, commonly handles this test.
Common questions
How long does a bone marrow biopsy take?
Usually, the samples can be collected in about ten minutes.
Does a bone marrow biopsy hurt?
Yes, it can hurt a little, with a sharp sting from the numbing medicine and a brief, usually dull, pain from the biopsy needle. The inside of the bone cannot be numbed, so the test may cause some discomfort.
How long do bone marrow biopsy results take?
It may take several days or even weeks to get your results.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Before the test, tell your provider about any allergies to medicines, pregnancy, bleeding problems, and the medicines you take.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
