Bone Marrow Tests

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.

Why this test is done

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

How to prepare

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.

Sample type

Tissue/Biopsy

Other names for this test

bone marrow examination