A procedure to obtain a sample of cells from the bone marrow (aspiration biopsy) or a small core of bone with marrow inside (trephine biopsy). The sample is usually taken, under local anaesthesia, from the sternum (breastbone) or iliac crests (upper part of the hip-bones). Microscopic examination gives information on the development of the blood components and on the presence of cells foreign to the marrow. It is useful in the diagnosis of many blood disorders, including leukaemia and anaemia. It can also show whether bone marrow has been invaded by lymphoma or cells from other tumours.
Bone marrow biopsy |
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