What is bone marrow aspiration and biopsy?
Definition Bone marrow aspiration, also called bone marrow sampling, is the removal by suction of fluid from the soft, spongy material that lines the inside of most bones. Bone marrow biopsy, or needle biopsy, is the removal of a small piece of bone marrow. Purpose Bone marrow aspiration is used to: • pinpoint the cause of abnormal blood test results • confirm a diagnosis or check the status of severe anemia (abnormally low numbers of red blood cells in the bloodstream) of unknown cause, or other irregularities in the way blood cells are produced or become mature. • evaluate abnormalities in the blood’s ability to store iron. • diagnose infection Bone marrow biopsy is used to: • obtain intact bone marrow for laboratory analysis • diagnose and stage some types of cancer or anemia and other blood disorders • identify the source of an unexplained fever • diagnose fibrosis of bone marrow or myeloma (a tumor composed of cells normally found in the bone marrow) when bone marrow aspiration ha
