Surprising Twists and Turns of a Bone Marrow Biopsy Journey

Lisette Marie

13. Why the Hip (Iliac Crest) is Preferred

Scan with image of hip bone in doctors hands. Photo Credit: Envato @serhiibobyk

While all bones contain marrow, the posterior iliac crest (the back of your hip bone) is overwhelmingly chosen for biopsies. This isn't arbitrary. It’s because this site offers a large, easily accessible bone surface that’s relatively close to the skin, minimizing the risk of hitting vital organs. It also contains abundant active red marrow, yielding a high-quality, representative sample, making it the anatomical sweet spot for diagnostic accuracy.

14. The Small Size of the Sample: A Tiny Window

Oncologist performing a cancer biopsy test during the appointment of patient. Photo Credit: Envato @Maria_Sbytova

Despite the invasive nature, the actual bone marrow sample is remarkably small—often just a 1/2 to 1-inch cylindrical piece of bone and a few milliliters of liquid. This tiny amount is astonishingly powerful. This microscopic "window" provides comprehensive information about your blood cell production, cancer presence, or bone marrow health, underscoring the incredible diagnostic precision derived from such a minimal extraction.

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13. Why the Hip (Iliac Crest) is Preferred

14. The Small Size of the Sample: A Tiny Window

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