A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of soft tissue from inside the bone. Bone marrow grows inside the bones in the body and produces clotting cells called platelets and red and white blood cells.

You will be given a local anesthetic at the site of the needle insertion and you may also receive a mild sedative. During the procedure, your doctor will make a small incision in your breastbone or the back side of your pelvic bone on either side of your lower back. From this incision, your doctor will insert a needle and will suction a sample of your bone marrow for further testing. The entire procedure usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes.

Bone marrow biopsies help detect specific diseases such as anemia or leukemia, a blood cell cancer. If you already have cancer, it may be done to monitor your response to cancer treatment.

There are very few risks associated with this procedure, although you may experience minor discomfort, bleeding, or infection at the site where the needle was inserted.

There are no alternative treatments for a bone marrow biopsy.

Inform the health care provider if you have allergies to any medications, what medications you are taking, and if you have bleeding problems. The health care provider should also know if you are pregnant. You must sign a consent form. Other than that, no special preparation is necessary for this test.

The bone marrow biopsy may be done in your doctor's office or at the hospital. There is generally no recovery time. You may have some soreness and bruising for several days after the procedure.

A variety of factors may influence the cost of the surgery. They include:

• Insurance coverage
• Pre-existing health
• Insurance co-pay
• Location of the facility

These factors vary depending on you and your situation.

The cost of each procedure can vary dramatically based upon age, location, gender, and insurance coverage. HealthGrades provides detailed cost estimates which include the costs of the procedure, drugs, hospital stay, and more. Each cost estimate is easy to understand and provides medical terms you need to know.

The detailed cost estimate for Bone Marrow Biopsy, includes costs for:

• Removal of bone marrow or bone sample using a special needle.