OR Nurse Guide: Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy Assistance

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy – Nursing Care

Preoperative Care

• Obtain preoperative blood work: hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count.
• Inspect and palpate skin for tenderness or infection at the site.
• Administer antimicrobial prophylaxis if patient is high-risk for infection.
• Give sedative and/or analgesia for comfort as ordered.

During the Procedure

• Monitor vital signs before, during, and after.
• Assist with positioning (usually prone or lateral).
• Support and explain each step to the patient.
• Prep aspiration site with antiseptic and drape.
• After needle insertion into marrow space, apply negative pressure to aspirate.
• Use biopsy needle to obtain a core sample after first aspirate.
• Apply pressure dressing over insertion site.

Postoperative Care

• Monitor vitals every 15 min for 1 hr, then every 30 min for 2 hrs, then hourly until stable.
• Apply ice pack to site for 10–15 min intervals.
• Check wound for bleeding, infection, or other complications.
• Watch for signs of infection: fever, chills, site pain.
• Encourage fluids and nutritious diet.
• Provide written wound-care instructions.