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Bone marrow aspiration is the removal of a small amount of the liquid portion of the bone marrow through a needle inserted into the bone. It can be done to collect bone marrow for stem cell transplantation or chromosomal analysis, or to monitor treatment for certain types of blood disorders.
The bone marrow sample is examined under a microscope to obtain information to:
More tests of the bone marrow sample can also be done to see if an infection is present and to identify antibiotics that might be used to treat the infection.
A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of bone marrow tissue and is often done with a bone marrow aspiration. A biopsy allows close exam of the bone marrow's structure.
Current as of: March 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Brian Leber MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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