Aspiration Cytology of Bone Marrow with Guided Sampling (Fine Needle Aspiration)
This test involves collecting a small sample of bone marrow fluid and cells from your bone using a thin needle. It helps doctors examine cells for signs of infection, cancer, or other blood disorders.
["Bone marrow aspiration helps diagnose conditions affecting blood production or detect abnormalities in your cells."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25042-3
- Short code
- CT Guided Asp or Bx
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Asp or Bx
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Bone Marrow Aspiration Used For?
Doctors may order this test to investigate symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, or unusual bruising. It’s also used to check for conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, or other blood-related disorders before treatments like chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
You’ll likely receive a local anesthetic to numb the area, usually in your hip or upper thigh. A doctor will insert a thin needle into your bone to collect marrow fluid and cells. The procedure usually takes a few minutes and may cause mild discomfort.
What Happens After the Test?
After the procedure, you may feel some soreness or bruising at the site. You’ll need to rest for a short time and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a day or two. Your doctor will analyze the sample under a microscope to look for abnormal cells or signs of disease.
How Are Results Interpreted?
Results are reviewed by a pathologist, who examines the cells for signs of infection, cancer, or other blood disorders. Normal results mean your marrow appears healthy, while abnormal findings may indicate conditions needing further medical evaluation or treatment.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Bone marrow aspiration is critical for diagnosing hematologic diseases, including cancers like leukemia or multiple myeloma, as well as blood disorders such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease. It may also assess bone marrow function in patients with unexplained anemia or immune deficiencies.
Short name
Bone Marrow Aspiration Cytology
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor recommend this test?
Will I feel pain during the procedure?
How soon will I get my results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy