Bone Biopsy

Before having a bone biopsy, tell your doctor if you:

• Are taking any medicines. If you take medicines every day, ask your doctor whether you should stop taking these medicines before the test.
• Are allergic to any medicines, such as those used to numb the skin (Reference anesthetics Opens New Window).
• Have had bleeding problems or take blood thinners, such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), or warfarin (Coumadin).
• Are or might be pregnant.
• Take any herbal remedies. Some of these remedies may thin the blood.

Getting ready for a bone biopsy changes depending on the type of biopsy that will be done.

• For a closed biopsy (needle biopsy), you do not need to do anything before the procedure. Right before the procedure, you will be asked to remove most or all of your clothes. You will be given a gown to use. You will be awake during the procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home because you may get a medicine (sedative) to help you relax.
• For an open biopsy, your doctor will tell you how soon before surgery to stop eating and drinking. Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking, or your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor has instructed you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, please do so using only a sip of water. You can eat your regular diet after the procedure. You may need to stay overnight in the hospital after an open biopsy is done.

Before a bone biopsy, you need to sign a form (consent form) that says you understand the risks of the bone biopsy and agree to have the procedure done. Make sure that you understand how this procedure is done before signing the consent form. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the biopsy, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this procedure, fill out the medical test information form (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.