Tests and scans
A bone marrow test is a way of testing cells from your bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside your bones that makes blood cells.
To find out whether there are any cancer cells in the bone marrow. You might also have one to check whether treatment is working.
You have a local anaesthetic injection to numb a small area on your hip. The doctor puts a needle into your hip to suck out some bone marrow. The test takes about 30 minutes. You should get your results within 1 or 2 weeks.
Possible side effects can include bruising, bleeding, pain, infection or tingling in the legs.
A bone marrow test is a way of testing cells from your bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside your bones that makes blood cells.
To find out whether there are any cancer cells in the bone marrow. You might also have one to check whether treatment is working.
You have a local anaesthetic injection to numb a small area on your hip. The doctor puts a needle into your hip to suck out some bone marrow. The test takes about 30 minutes. You should get your results within 1 or 2 weeks.
Possible side effects can include bruising, bleeding, pain, infection or tingling in the legs.
You have a bone marrow test to check whether there are cancer cells in your bone marrow. Bone marrow is spongy tissue and fluid that is inside your bones. It makes your blood cells. Depending on your cancer type, this test can also check how well your treatment is working.
A doctor or specialist nurse removes a sample of bone marrow cells or an area of bone marrow in one piece. This is usually from your hip. A specialist doctor can then look at the cells or tissue under a microscope.
You usually have the test in the outpatient department of the hospital. But you may have this on the ward if you are staying overnight in hospital.
You're usually awake for the test. You have a to numb the area. Some people have medicine to make them drowsy. This is also known as sedation.
Your nurse will explain any special preparation for the test. You might also have an information leaflet explaining what happens. Contact your healthcare team if you have any questions about the test and the preparation.
You are usually able to eat and drink before your test.
Tell your doctor or nurse before the biopsy if you take medicine to thin the blood. They will tell you if you need to stop taking these medicines and how long you should do this before your test.
Some people have this with . If you are having it this way, you should stop eating and drinking for a few hours before the test. Your nurse will give you more information about this.
Some people prefer sedation before the test so that they are a bit drowsy. Some hospitals may use gas and air (Entonox) to help relax you instead of sedation.
If you are having sedation you will need to stay in the department for a few hours after your test to allow time to recover.
Children and teenagers often have sedation for this type of test.
We have a children's cancer section where you can find out about this test if your child has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
Find out how children have a bone marrow test
Your bone marrow test is looked at in the laboratory. The time it takes to receive results depends on which tests are being done on the bone marrow samples.
Basic results can be available as soon as 24 to 48 hours. But it might take 1 to 2 weeks to get all your results. You won’t get any results at the time of having a bone marrow taken. It’s best to ask your doctor or nurse how long it will take to get them.
Waiting for test results can make you anxious. You might have the contact details of a specialist nurse who you can speak to for information and support if you need to. It may also help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel.
Last reviewed: 08 Apr 2025
Next review due: 08 Apr 2028
Find out about tests to diagnose cancer and monitor it during and after treatment, including what each test can show, how you have it and how to prepare.
Search for the cancer type you want to find out about. Each section has detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and coping with cancer.
Cancer is the name given to a collection of related diseases. Many cancers form solid tumours, which are masses of tissue. Cancers of the blood, such as
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
Image by credit test.
