BONE MARROW EXAMINATION

Bone Marrow Examination

What it is

A Bone Marrow Examination is a diagnostic procedure that involves collecting and analyzing bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones responsible for producing blood cells. It is done through bone marrow aspiration (liquid sample) or biopsy (solid tissue sample) to study cell production, marrow structure, and abnormal cells.

Uses

This test is used to diagnose blood disorders such as anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes. It helps assess unexplained low or high blood counts, detect metastatic cancers in bone marrow, monitor chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant response, and evaluate infections or granulomatous diseases like tuberculosis or sarcoidosis.

Symptoms That May Lead to the Test

Doctors may order this test if you have persistent unexplained anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia, abnormal white blood cell counts, suspicion of leukemia or lymphoma, unexplained bone pain, fevers, weight loss, or to monitor patients undergoing chemotherapy or transplant therapy.

Abnormal Results

Leukemia/Lymphoma: Presence of immature or malignant white blood cells.

Multiple Myeloma: Increased plasma cells producing abnormal proteins.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Ineffective or abnormal blood cell production.

Aplastic Anemia: Reduced or absent bone marrow activity.

Metastatic Cancer: Cancer cells spreading from other organs.

Infections/Granulomas: Evidence of tuberculosis, fungal, or viral infection.

Risks

The procedure may cause mild to moderate pain during and after collection. Other risks include local bleeding, bruising, or rare infection at the puncture site. In very rare cases, prolonged bleeding may occur in patients with low platelet counts.