How effective is bone marrow biopsy for leukaemia?

A clinician removes a small sample of liquid marrow and sometimes a tiny core of bone, commonly from the back of the hip. A laboratory examines the cells and their arrangement. The findings can show whether abnormal blood cells are present, which type of leukaemia is involved, and how active the disease appears in the marrow.

The test is highly useful because leukaemia begins in blood-forming tissues, but it is one part of assessment. Blood tests, cell-marker testing, imaging, symptoms, and treatment history may add context. A biopsy can also help compare marrow before and after treatment, although results need time for specialised laboratory analysis.

Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, bleeding problems, allergies, pregnancy, and any difficulty lying on your side or stomach. Ask which medicines to take on the day and whether you need someone to accompany you home if sedation is planned.

During the appointment, local anaesthetic numbs the area. Pressure or brief discomfort can still occur. Follow the dressing and activity instructions afterwards, and keep the site clean. Contact the treating team if bleeding does not settle with firm pressure, or if the area becomes increasingly red, swollen, or warm.

Seek urgent medical advice for heavy or continuing bleeding, severe pain, fainting, trouble breathing, a high temperature, or rapidly worsening redness and swelling at the biopsy site. These symptoms need prompt assessment after an invasive procedure and should not wait for the next routine appointment.

Ask what the biopsy is intended to answer, when preliminary and final findings may be available, which tests will be performed on the sample, and how the result could change the next treatment decision.