Physicians use bone marrow biopsies to diagnose blood diseases such as low blood cell counts, blood cancers or blood infections. A bone marrow biopsy is a short procedure and usually takes about 15 minutes to complete. During the procedure, the physician numbs the area over the bone to be tested and uses a larger needle to withdraw some of the bone marrow to send to the lab. The hip bone is the most common location for a bone marrow biopsy but the breast bone or sternum can be used as well. Like most medical procedures, these biopsies do have possible complications.
Bleeding
A complication that can occur after a bone marrow biopsy is bleeding. After the biopsy, the doctor generally applies pressure and a bandage to the incision site to manage any bleeding. If a patient has a history of a bleeding disorder, there may be a higher risk of bleeding after a bone marrow biopsy, as noted by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Infection
Another complication that can occur after a bone marrow biopsy is infection. Before the procedure the doctor cleans the skin with antiseptic cleaner and the doctor uses sterile instruments during the procedure to withdraw the bone marrow. If a patient has an infection in the skin or bloodstream prior to the procedure, however, there is a higher risk of infection, says Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Pain
The physician uses a pain-numbing medication before the procedure because the biopsy can be uncomfortable or painful. According to MayoClinic.com, the patient may also feel pain at the biopsy site for a while after the procedure. The physician will tell the patient which pain relievers are appropriate to use because aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding.
Allergic Reaction to Medications
Some physicians give the patient an anti-anxiety medication before the procedure to help the patient relax and as noted, the doctor also uses a local anesthetic over the area. According to MayoClinic.com, patients may have complications with the medications used for sedation and pain management such as nausea, an irregular heartbeat or even an allergic reaction. The physician will watch for any signs of this complication and treat as needed.
Complications with Biopsy of the Sternum
Occasionally the physician will perform the bone marrow biopsy on the breast bone or sternum. The heart and lungs are underneath this bone; if the physician goes too deep during the biopsy, both organs can be injured, as noted by MayoClinic.com.
