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Bone marrow is the tissue that makes blood cells. It is found in the hollow part of most bones. Bone marrow aspiration is the removal of this tissue for examination.
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The health care provider will take the bone marrow from your pelvic or breast bone. (Occasionally, another bone is selected.) First, the area is cleaned with a germ-killing medicine, then numbing medicine (local anesthesia) is applied.
Next, the health care provider inserts a special needle 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.
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
There will be a prick and a slight burning sensation with the local anesthetic. Pressure may be felt as the needle is inserted into the bone. There is a sharp sucking sensation as the marrow is aspirated, which lasts for only a few moments.
This test is used to diagnose leukemia, infections, some types of anemia , and other blood disorders. It may help determine if cancers have spread.
Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2005:2656-2657.
Behrman RE. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004; 1695-1697.
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