Having a bone marrow test

One of a series of films we produced to help patients, their families and carers learn more about some of the most common tests and procedures used to diagnose and treat blood diseases.

Patients who have previously undergone these tests helped us to design the videos. Each film clearly explains what the procedure involves and addresses common issues and concerns including:

Why your doctor recommended this procedure
What you need to do to prepare
What you can expect during the procedure
What you need to do afterwards
Not every patient will be referred for all of these tests and practice may differ slightly depending on where you are treated.

Each film is available in English and also with subtitles in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Farsi, Polish, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish and Turkish at:

@DesignScienceUK

[dollyhamilton]

just had procedure done today (10/20/21). Doc used lidocaine to numb area. No actual shooting pain of any kind. Just a lot of pressure which was somewhat uncomfortable but not bad. I think the anticipation of pain was worse than the actual pain which was very minimal to none...mostly just the needle stick. I've had bowel movements that hurt worse. If I had to do it again I would.

[alecsdimitriu]

I tried this 5 or 6 times, new I am healty thx God!

[Thankingyou]

Just had a bone marrow biopsy. it's best to have this done in the hospital in the CT lab. The a cat scan is used for placement of the biopsy needle. It's important to have Versed and fentanyl for this procedure. The nurse gave me an injection of Versed. Then they placed me on my stomach and the next thing remember is waking up in the recovery room. I have no memory of the procedure whatsoever.

[reecebell]

Had this done today. The pressure can be mistaken for pain, but it’s bearable. I had 2 aspirations and a bone marrow sample done.

[ElidaOchoa-vt]

I went into hospital on the last days of Dec 2009 from what I recall, convulsing with 103 temperature. Wheeled into ICU it being I had pneumonia. I wasn't let go till the May of the following year. I developed leukemia, had a mild stroke, and other issues. And of course practically forgotten, except for my son. But Father God never abandoned me, He's been with me always. I love you precious Father.😊

[fcthemusic]

Just had mine done today (4/7/23). Not terrible but there’s some pain. Lidocaine numbs the area - there’s slight burning with that. The pressure from the drilling is uncomfortable but not super painful. The worse part is prepping and the anticipation lol. I would say 5/10 on my personal pain scale. Root canal is probably 6/10 for comparison. Achy tooth for me (without pain meds) would be a 8/10. Of course, everyone is different. Lidocaine and fentanyl is wearing off so I do feel a dull ache. Gonna pop some OTC pain meds. Good luck everyone!

[karenmonson]

I know people who have had bone marrow testing and said it was very painful. I think you are " pink clouding" this way to much. If a family member needed bone marrow I would do it in a heartbeat!

[nailathisdramaissosoahmad]

Thanks for showing great information video

[earloftheorient]

Had this a couple months ago. To everyone who’s afraid, a toothache is worse

[susmagurung]

I had this procedure done 3year before but now I feel pain back😔😔

[jackccrofootjr]

72 yrs old here. I never understood why pathologists & other MD's will do bone marrow aspiration without proper Anes. I would always give Versed 2-3 mg, and Ketamine 25mg just before the betadine skin prep. Then before the injection of the Dr.'s Local of choice I would give another 25-35 mg of Ketamine IV allowing 5 mins before the aspiration trocar was inserted. The entire procedure was carried out without pt. discomfort or memory.
The pt. almost always would slowly regain consciousness while breathing spontaneously through out the procedure, frequently asking "have we started yet?"

My personal feeling is it is cruel to carry out this bone marrow aspiration in any other way.

Ketamine unnecessarily fell into disrepute due to anes. practioners lack of skill in its administration. I am thrilled to see it has returned with additional uses.

[_krid_]

2:37
Her: You can feel a shooting pain in your leg but it will disappear almost immediately
Me who need to go through it every 2-3 months for 6 years: take that back. *TAKE THAT BACK!*

[ycortinas]

Well I can say I will never ever get this done again ! I had it done today and they lidocaine was not working so it was painful ! Really painful ! 😢

[toururururururu]

My white blood cell count is 528 which isnt good so i have to get tested for blood cancer again and im gonna ask them to give me a bone marrow test to see if i have bone marrow cancer or anything else

[luckslivecam]

I have an appointment today to have the procedure done, but I’ve changed my mind I can’t do this😢

[AmarSingh-fdxu]

I had this test its was 4years a go but still I get pain in my back bones very badly. Please tell me the solution

[antmark]

I had this done today and wow I'm in pain now! mine took a hour! As I'm big boned

[libyatahreer]

Thank you very helpful information to the patients

[mattrowan]

I've had several BMB's with aspiration and I will tell you right now, after the first one I NEVER let them get away with this local anesthetic nonsense again. That local is for your skin only...big deal. NO, I and many others that I have met thru the years had UNBELIEVABLE pain for about 15-20 seconds. After the first, I told them point blank that they would have to put me under full sedation or full blown general anesthesia. They have complied. I don't know why or how they've been getting away with this "local" crap...guess it's to save $. By the way, I live in the U.S. but thought I should alert newbies. It's my sense that about 2/3 of people who have had these invasive procedures agree with me. Good luck and Don't let them con you.

[Faakhir]

I had this test in 2006, It has weakened me, significantly, I'm still not recovered, It was only for anaemia 😢