Bone Marrow Biopsy (Biopsy-Bone Marrow, Bone Marrow Aspiration
and Biopsy) What is a bone marrow biopsy? In the center of most
large bones there is a soft tissue (called bone marrow) that
makes about 95 percent of the body's blood cells. The marrow is
a network of tissue that contains immature blood cells in an
organized structure. Red bone marrow is the active portion that
produces red blood cells, while yellow bone marrow contains fat
cells. In adults the red bone marrow is located in the flat
bones, such as the upper hip bones and sternum. In children, the
red bone marrow is in the long bones, such as the femur. A bone
marrow biopsy involves removing tissue from the red bone marrow
to be sent to the lab for microscopic examination. The biopsy is
done using a small needle inserted into an age appropriate area
(long bone for children, flat bone for adults). A local
anesthetic agent may be given before starting the procedure. A
bone marrow biopsy is usually performed if your physician
suspects that you have a