When you have a bone marrow exam and biopsy, there are 2 or more samples taken. This is the heart of the blood manufacturing site in the body so a sample from the marrow is important.
The first sample is an aspirated sample of the fluid in the marrow. The second is a core sample of the spongy part of the marrow. This is done with a needle. There’s no big incision or stitches involved.
The needle used to give the local anesthetic is small in diameter. You may feel a tiny poke with that but it numbs the tissue very quickly. It’s much smaller than the needle used to draw blood in your arm when you’ve had labs run.

You’ll be asked to lie on your side or tummy for the procedure. You’ll still have your skivvies on but the doctor will lower the waistband so that the waist area above your bum is exposed. Don’t worry about being embarrassed because this is so routine for them. I’ve had so many of these that sometimes, even being an old lady, I wear some silly underwear with ducks on or something. Just for laughs. 😂

The doctor will then use a pen or marker to mark the point where they want to take the sample. The pen can also used to see if you’re numb. Then a little larger needle is used to take the core sample. I didn’t feel anything sharp but it was uncomfortable. It felt like a deep tugging feeling. However it didn’t last very long. Once the doctor is finished, that’s basically it. Like I said, no stitches.

You will have to wear a bandaid for 24 hours and no showering for 24 hours. The bandaid will have a thicker, but small gauze square under it to give some pressure to stop any bleeding. Much like when you get a blood sample taken.
That’s it! Sometimes there’s discomfort for a day or so. I had one that was tender to the touch for a week. Not a sharp or throbbing pain, more like a bruise. You won’t want to play pickup basketball or go jogging for 24 hours either but going to work is fine.

The reticulin stain is one of several special use stains used on biopsies. Each one has an affinity for particular extra/intra-cellular structures, or particular microorganisms. In the case of a bone marrow biopsy it can be used to check for fibrosis of the marrow. Another condition that can affect blood cell production. Your doctor is covering all the bases. ☺️
I hope this answers a few of your questions. Don’t hesitate if you have more!