Whats the procedure for taking bone marrow?

Question

Is it still just a massive needle into your pelvis?

Answer 1

If they are taking actual marrow, yes, they use large needles in the hip bone.  If its a bone marrow biopsy, you will be awake, but can get ativan or something.  The painful part is only about 30 secs.  

If you are donating, you would be under general anesthesia or an epidural.

Most stem cell donations today, however, are peripheral blood stem cells.  They are a type of white blood cell and are harvested by aphersis, the same process as if you were to sell plasma or even some Red Cross donations.  They put 2 needles in your arm.  One pulls blood out, the machine seperates the stem cells, then the rest of the blood goes through a warmer and back into your own body.