|
|
Article: Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
- Article from:
- Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery: A Guide for Patients andCaregivers
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
Definition
Bone marrow aspiration, also called bone marrow sampling, is the removal by suction of the soft, spongy semisolid tissue (marrow) that fills the inside of the long and flat bones. Bone marrow biopsy, or needle core biopsy, is the removal of a small piece (about 0.75 X 0.06 in, or 2 X 0.16 cm) of intact bone marrow. The bone marrow is where blood cells are made.
Purpose
Examination of the bone marrow may be the next step that follows an abnormal clinical finding, such as an abnormal
complete blood count
(CBC), and/or an abnormal peripheral blood smear. It may also be performed following an abnormal bone image such as the finding of a ...