Bone Marrow Tests
Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found in the center of your bones.
Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found in the center of your bones. Bone marrow makes different types of blood cells, including: Red blood cells (also called erythrocytes), which carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. White blood cells (also called leukocytes), which help you fight infections. Platelets , which help with blood clotting. Bone marrow tests remove a sample of your bone marrow and bone. The sample is usually taken from the back of your hip. It is examined under a microscope and tested to look for signs of disease. Bone marrow tests help find out whether your bone marrow is working well to make normal amounts of healthy blood cells. Bone marrow tests can help diagnose and monitor bone marrow disorders , blood disorders , and certain types of cancer . There are two types of procedures used to collect bone marrow samples for testing: Bone marrow aspiration removes a small amount of fluid and cells from your bone marrow. Bone marrow biopsy removes a small piece of bone and bone marrow. Bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy are usually done at the same time. Other names: bone marrow examination
Why is this test ordered? You may need a bone marrow aspiration and a bone marrow biopsy if you: Had abnormal results on other blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or a blood smear Have signs and symptoms, and a medical history that could mean you have a bone marrow disease Have certain types of cancers that involve your blood and bone marrow, and your health care provider needs to know how much cancer is in your body (This is called "cancer staging.") Have a type of cancer in another part of your body that commonly spreads to bone marrow Are being treated for a condition that affects your blood or bone marrow, and your provider needs to find out how well your treatment is working
Clinical Interpretation
It may take several days or even weeks to get your bone marrow test results. Your provider may have ordered many different types of tests on your sample, so your results often include a lot of complex information. Your provider can explain what your results mean. In certain cases, if your test results are not normal, you may need to have more tests to confirm a diagnosis or to decide which treatment would be best for you. If you have already been diagnosed with a disease that involves your bone marrow, your test results may show: How well your treatment is working Whether your treatment is causing side effects that affect your bone marrow Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results .
Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice
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You'll receive complete instructions for how to prepare. You may need to stop taking certain medicines before this test, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to. Tell your provider if you have a bleeding disorder . Your provider will tell you whether you need to fast (not eat or drink) for a few hours before the procedure. Plan to have someone take you home after the test, because you may be drowsy if you are given medicine to help you relax or sleep during the procedure. Be sure to ask your provider any questions you may have about the procedure.
Usage Guidance
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.