Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

A bone marrow aspiration involves withdrawing a sample of liquid from the bone marrow at the centre of a bone. In the case of a bone marrow biopsy, a sample of tissue from the bone marrow is taken. These samples are generally taken from the hip bone under local anaesthetic. Different biopsy needles are used:

Bone marrow aspirate: A syringe is used to aspirate a liquid sample of bone marrow

Bone marrow biopsy: A hollow needle called trephine removes a 1 or 2 cm core of bone marrow in one piece

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