Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: collection and interpretation.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the role of the oncology nurse practitioner in the performance of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and discuss the indications and diagnostic value of bone marrow examination.


METHODS
Published articles, textbooks, personal experience.


RESULTS
Bone marrow examination is useful in the diagnosis of many nonhematologic and hematologic conditions. Having a nurse practitioner perform bone marrow aspiration can improve patient care and comfort.


CONCLUSIONS
Greater understanding of bone marrow aspiration procedure and diagnostic tests helps nurse practitioners and oncology nurses to provide better patient care.


CONCLUSIONS
Advanced practice nurses in the oncology setting must take an active role in the development and implementation of clinical practice protocols for bone marrow collection.
Trewhitt
K G
KG
National Institutes of Health at the Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, USA. ktrewhitt@aol.com
D001706:Biopsy / Q000451:nursing; D001856:Bone Marrow Examination / Q000451:nursing*; D003625:Data Collection; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D007951:Leukemia, Myeloid / Q000451:nursing / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000473:pathology*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D012380:Role