What is Bone Marrow Test?

A bone marrow test, also known as a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, is a medical procedure used to collect and examine samples of bone marrow for diagnostic purposes. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside bones, primarily in the pelvis, sternum (breastbone), and long bones such as the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shinbone). It plays a crucial role in the production of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

​

The bone marrow test involves two main components:

​

1. Bone Marrow Aspiration: During this part of the procedure, a healthcare provider uses a thin, hollow needle to aspirate (suction out) a small sample of liquid bone marrow from the bone. This sample is typically taken from the posterior iliac crest, which is the back part of the pelvic bone. The needle is inserted through the skin and into the bone, and a syringe is used to withdraw the liquid marrow.

​

2. Bone Marrow Biopsy: Following the aspiration, a bone marrow biopsy may be performed to obtain a small core of solid bone marrow tissue for further examination. This involves inserting a slightly larger needle into the same area of the bone and removing a small cylindrical sample of bone and marrow tissue. The biopsy provides additional information about the bone marrow's cellular composition, structure, and architecture.

​

The collected bone marrow samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist. The samples are examined under a microscope to assess the number, size, shape, and maturity of blood cells and to identify any abnormalities, such as cancer cells or disorders of blood cell production.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Bone marrow tests are commonly performed to diagnose and monitor various conditions, including:

​

- Blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
- Disorders of blood cell production, such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)
- Infections involving the bone marrow, such as tuberculosis or fungal infections
- Evaluation of unexplained anemia, low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), or abnormal white blood cell counts

​

Bone marrow tests are typically performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic setting under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Most patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure, which usually resolves quickly afterward. The results of the bone marrow test can provide valuable information for guiding treatment decisions and monitoring the progression of disease.