Needle aspiration and biopsy in the diagnosis and monitoring of bone marrow diseases.
OBJECTIVE
To review the procedures required to perform and evaluate needle aspiration and biopsy of bone marrow.


METHODS
Journal articles, monographs and authors' experience.


RESULTS
The performance of bone marrow needle aspiration and biopsy requires close cooperation between the physician and the clinical laboratory scientist (CLS). Several tests require special handling when obtaining and processing bone marrow samples. Serial bone marrow aspiration and biopsy studies can help in the management of some bone marrow diseases. This article reviews the procedures required to obtain and to process bone marrow aspirates and biopsies. It also reviews the interpretation of light microscopic studies of bone marrow samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Current procedures for obtaining and procuring bone marrow needle aspirates and biopsies require close interaction between the CLS and the physician. Multiple specialized assays require special handling at the time marrow samples are obtained. Serial bone marrow needle aspirates and biopsies can be very useful in guiding the clinical care of certain patients.
Hodges
A
A
Medical service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Nashville TN, USA.
Koury
M J
MJ
D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D001855:Bone Marrow Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D001856:Bone Marrow Examination / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results