Iliac crest tap; Sternal tap

There may be some bleeding at the puncture site. More serious risks, such as serious bleeding or infection, are very rare.

This test is often performed when there are problems with various types of blood cells. The person may be at increased risk for bleeding, infection, or other problems.

Images

Bone marrow aspiration

Sternum - view of the outside (anterior)

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Bone marrow aspiration Results

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Bone marrow aspiration Prevention

Review Date: 06/02/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)