Guided Bone Marrow Aspiration and Cytology Examination (Qualitative)
This test involves taking a small sample of bone marrow fluid and examining it under a microscope to check for abnormal cells, infections, or other conditions affecting your blood or bone marrow.
["It helps diagnose blood disorders, infections, or cancers by analyzing cellular details in your bone marrow sample."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87014-7
- Short code
- Guided Bone mar Bx
- Synonyms
- Guided Bone mar 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
- imaging-modality
- 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?
Bone marrow aspiration is primarily used to diagnose conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, or infections such as osteomyelitis. It also helps monitor the effectiveness of treatments for blood disorders or cancers.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A needle is inserted into your hip bone (usually the iliac crest) under local anesthesia to collect a small amount of bone marrow fluid. The procedure is quick but may cause mild discomfort afterward.
What Does the Test Involve?
The collected sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to identify cell types, count specific cells, or detect abnormalities. This qualitative analysis focuses on qualitative (not quantitative) cell characteristics.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Results are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the analysis and whether additional tests are needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance of this test includes diagnosing hematologic malignancies (e.g., leukemia), evaluating bone marrow function in anemia or infections, and guiding treatment decisions for blood disorders or cancers. It is not used for routine screening but is critical in specialized cases.
Short name
Bone Marrow Aspiration Cytology (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor request this test?
What are the risks or side effects of this procedure?
How can I prepare for this test?
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