Haematology · London
Private bone marrow biopsy in London, by a consultant haematologist.
A haematologist-performed sample of bone marrow - the definitive test for cytopenias, myeloma, lymphoma staging and MDS. Aspirate + trephine, with optional sedation.
Indicative pricing
What a private bone marrow biopsy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK haematologists.
In short
£1,200–£2,200, with results in 5–10 days.
| Biopsy type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Results turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspirate + trephine (posterior iliac crest) | £1,200–£2,200 | 30–45 min | 5–10 days |
| Aspirate only (staging) | £900–£1,700 | 20–30 min | 5–10 days |
| With flow cytometry | £1,500–£2,600 | 30–45 min | 5–10 days |
| With cytogenetics / molecular | £1,800–£3,200 | 30–45 min | 7–14 days |
| Under conscious sedation | £1,700–£2,900 | 45–60 min | 5–10 days |
| Under general anaesthetic (paediatric or anxious) | £2,500–£4,500 | 60–90 min | 5–10 days |
Prices vary by consultant, by whether sedation or GA is used, and by which downstream tests (flow cytometry, cytogenetics, molecular) are added.
The problem
Blood tests hint. The marrow answers.
Abnormal blood counts, a suspected paraprotein or an unexplained pattern on a scan often come down to what is happening inside the bone marrow itself. A biopsy is how you find out - taken by a consultant, examined by a consultant haematopathologist.
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Frightened by the word?
A bone marrow biopsy is a short outpatient procedure - not the ordeal reputation suggests.
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Worried about the pain?
Local anaesthetic - and sedation, if you would prefer - keep it far more manageable than most people expect.
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Dreading the wait?
Results come back in 5-10 days. We chase them and keep you informed rather than leaving you in silence.
What it shows
When a bone marrow biopsy is the right next step.
A marrow biopsy is arranged when the blood picture, a paraprotein or a suspected haematological disease needs a definitive answer. These are the situations we see most.
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Cytopenias (low counts)
When the blood picture is unexplained and the marrow itself needs a look.
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Lymphoma staging
Assesses marrow involvement as part of formal lymphoma staging.
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Myeloma diagnosis & monitoring
Confirms the diagnosis, quantifies plasma cells and guides treatment response.
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Plasma-cell disorders
Distinguishes MGUS, smouldering myeloma and active disease.
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Cancer staging
Occasionally used to check marrow involvement in solid tumours.
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MDS / MPN diagnosis
Myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders need marrow morphology plus cytogenetics.
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Iron studies (rare)
Usually settled by ferritin; marrow iron is reserved for the difficult case.
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Red flag: severe cytopenia + sepsis
Fever with very low counts is an emergency - call 999 rather than waiting for us.
Biopsy types
Not all bone marrow biopsies are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Aspirate + trephine (standard)
Both a liquid aspirate and a solid core - the standard combination for a full picture.
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Aspirate only
Cells only, quicker. Useful for staging when architecture is not needed.
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Trephine only
Core biopsy without aspirate, when aspiration is likely to be dry.
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With flow cytometry
Immunophenotyping to classify leukaemias, lymphomas and plasma-cell disorders.
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With cytogenetics (karyotype, FISH)
Chromosome-level tests that guide risk and treatment.
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With molecular (NGS panel)
Next-generation sequencing for the mutations that matter clinically.
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Under conscious sedation
Light sedation for anxious adults - you stay awake but relaxed.
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Under general anaesthetic
Reserved for paediatric cases or where conscious sedation is not tolerated.
Safety and eligibility
Safer, and easier, than most people expect.
Bone marrow biopsies are safe and usually straightforward. The things worth planning are anticoagulation, whether to have sedation, and knowing what the day looks like.
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Local anaesthetic + optional sedation
The skin, tissue and periosteum are numbed. Conscious sedation is available if you would rather not remember it.
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Brief but intense pressure
When the aspirate is drawn and the trephine taken, you feel firm pressure for a few seconds. It is not sharp pain.
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Sore for 24-72 hours
The site aches for a day or two. Most people manage with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
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Simple analgesia
Paracetamol and ibuprofen (if you can take it) are usually enough. We tell you what to avoid.
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Anticoagulation review
Warfarin, DOACs and antiplatelets may need pausing. Never stop them on your own - the haematologist decides.
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Sterile technique
Full aseptic technique keeps infection risk very low. You are told what to watch for at home.
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Driving after sedation
If you have sedation you must not drive that day - you will need someone to take you home.
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Pregnancy
Usually deferred unless the diagnosis cannot wait. Discussed with your obstetric team first.
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Rare risks
Bleeding and infection are uncommon; serious complications are rare. The team is set up to manage them.
Reading your report
A haematopathology report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the marrow shows, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
Haematopathology language is precise and can read coldly - ask your care team to explain anything that is unclear.
Ask your care team to explain anything that is unclear.
- 01 Header
Your details and the indication
Your details, the clinical question, and the counts and imaging that prompted the biopsy.
- 02 Technique
Site and samples taken
Which site (usually posterior iliac crest), and what was obtained - aspirate, trephine, flow tubes, cytogenetics.
- 03 Findings
What the haematopathologist saw
Aspirate morphology, trephine architecture and cellularity, and a summary of flow cytometry immunophenotyping.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Normal marrow, MDS, myeloma, lymphomatous involvement, or a request for further tests - in as plain terms as the tissue allows.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about bone marrow biopsies.
Quick answers on pain, sedation, cost, and how long haematopathology takes.
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What does a bone marrow biopsy show?
It shows the cells being made inside the marrow - how many, what type, and whether anything abnormal is being produced. It is the definitive test for myeloma, MDS, many leukaemias and unexplained cytopenias, and it stages lymphoma.
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Does a bone marrow biopsy hurt?
The skin and tissue are numbed with local anaesthetic, so the injection stings briefly. The pressure when the aspirate is drawn and the trephine core is taken is intense for a few seconds but not sharp. Most people find it much more manageable than expected.
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Can I have sedation?
Yes. Conscious sedation is offered to anxious adults - you stay awake but relaxed and remember little. General anaesthetic is reserved for children or where sedation is not enough. You will need someone to take you home if you have either.
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How much does a private bone marrow biopsy cost in London?
A standard aspirate and trephine is typically £1,200-£2,200. Add flow cytometry (£1,500-£2,600) or cytogenetics and molecular tests (£1,800-£3,200) depending on the diagnostic question.
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Do I need a referral?
A referral letter from a GP or specialist helps and is usually needed for insurance, but not always essential for self-pay.
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What are the risks?
Bleeding, infection and prolonged pain are uncommon; serious complications are rare. The greatest predictable issue is soreness for 24-72 hours. Anticoagulation is reviewed beforehand to keep bleeding risk low.
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How long do results take?
Aspirate morphology and trephine histology are typically back in 5-10 days. Flow cytometry is often quicker. Cytogenetics and molecular (NGS) panels usually add several days - 7-14 in total is realistic. We chase them.
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Why take both an aspirate and a trephine?
They answer different questions. The aspirate shows individual cells in detail (morphology, flow cytometry, cytogenetics). The trephine shows the architecture and cellularity of the marrow itself. Together they give the most complete picture.
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What is aftercare like?
Keep the dressing dry for 24 hours, avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a couple of days, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need it. Most people are back to normal desk work the next day.
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When should I see a specialist?
Any unexplained persistent cytopenia, a suspected paraprotein, unexplained bone pain with abnormal blood tests, or a lymphoma diagnosis needing staging - a consultant haematologist should be involved.
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