Bone marrow aspirate

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Bone Marrow Aspirate is a medical procedure that involves the extraction of a small amount of bone marrow fluid (aspirate) through a needle. This procedure is crucial for diagnosing various blood disorders, bone marrow diseases, and certain types of cancer. The aspirate provides a sample that can be examined under a microscope or subjected to other analyses to assess the health and composition of the bone marrow.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The bone marrow aspirate procedure is typically performed in a hospital or clinic setting. It involves the following steps:

  1. The patient is positioned and the site of aspiration, usually the posterior iliac crest of the hip bone, is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
  2. A specialized needle is inserted through the skin and into the bone marrow cavity.
  3. A syringe is attached to the needle to draw out a small amount of bone marrow fluid.
  4. The needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding. A bandage is then applied.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Bone marrow aspirate is indicated for the diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions, including:

Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]

While generally safe, the procedure can have potential risks and complications such as:

  • Pain at the aspiration site
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Injury to surrounding tissues

Analysis of Aspirate[edit | edit source]

The aspirated bone marrow fluid is analyzed in a laboratory to assess various parameters, including:

  • Cellularity (the cell density of the marrow)
  • The presence of abnormal cells or cancer cells
  • The composition of different types of blood cells
  • Genetic and molecular analyses for specific diseases

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Bone marrow aspirate is a valuable diagnostic tool in the field of hematology and oncology. It provides essential information about the health and function of the bone marrow, aiding in the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of various diseases.


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD