Expert Video - What is a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy? What should I expect?

A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure to take a sample of your bone marrow. Aspiration means taking a sample of the liquid bone marrow as well as solid marrow. The doctor or a technician usually takes the sample from your hip. Dr. David Steensma, an expert on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), explains that some people tolerate the procedure well and others have pain. You receive a local anesthetic to keep you more comfortable, and may also take a sedative. The procedure takes just a few minutes after everything is ready.

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This educational activity has been developed by the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, Inc. and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.

This activity is supported by educational grants from AbbVie, Acceleron, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene Corporation, Daiichi Sankyo, Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Oncology.

This website is part of the Animated Patient™ series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.