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Bone marrow aspiration	Sternum - view of the outside (anterior)

Bone marrow aspiration

Definition

Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. It is found in the hollow part of most bones. Bone marrow aspiration is the removal of a small amount of this tissue in liquid form for examination.

See also:

• Bone marrow biopsy
• Bone marrow culture

Alternative Names

Iliac crest tap; Sternal tap

Why the Test is Performed

This test is used to diagnose leukemia, infections, some types of anemia, and other blood disorders. It may help determine if cancers have spread.

How the Test is Performed

The bone marrow will be removed from your pelvic or breast bone. Occasionally, another bone is selected.

The health care provider will clean the skin and apply a numbing medicine (local anesthesia) to the area and surface of the bone. Next, a special needle is inserted into the bone. The needle has a tube attached to it, which creates suction. A small sample of bone marrow fluid flows into the tube. The needle is removed.

A laboratory specialist looks at the bone marrow fluid under a microscope.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the Test Will Feel

You may feel a sting and slight burning sensation when the numbing medicine is applied. You may feel pressure as the needle is inserted into the bone, and a sharp sucking sensation as the marrow is removed. This feeling lasts for only a few moments.

Risks

There may be some bleeding at the puncture site. More serious risks, such as serious bleeding or infection, are very rare.

Normal Results

The marrow should contain blood-forming (hematopoietic) cells, fat cells, and connective tissues.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may be due to:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia
• Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (AML)
• Anemia of B12 deficiency
• Anemia of folate deficiency
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Lymphoma
• Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom
• Megaloblastic anemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Myelofibrosis
• Pernicious anemia
• Primary thrombocytopenia

Review Date: 7/11/2008
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.