Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
Simplified Intrafemoral Injections Using Live Mice Allow for Continuous Bone Marrow Analysis
Published on: November 10, 2023
A new study of intraosseous blood for laboratory analysis
Larry J Miller1, Thomas E Philbeck, Diana Montez
1Science & Clinical Department, Vidacare Corporation, Shavano Park, Texas 78249, USA.
Context:
Intraosseous (IO) blood is frequently used to establish a blood chemistry profile in critically ill patients. Questions remain regarding the reliability of IO blood for laboratory analysis and established criteria regarding the amount of marrow/blood to waste before taking an IO sample are not available.
Objectives:
To evaluate IO-derived blood for routine laboratory blood tests needed in the care of critically ill patients and to determine the amount of marrow/blood to waste before drawing blood from the IO space for laboratory analysis.
Design:
Blood samples were drawn from peripheral veins of 10 volunteers. Within 5 minutes, 2 IO blood samples were obtained; one following 2 mL of waste and another following 6 mL of waste. Samples were analyzed for complete blood count and chemistry profile. Values were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Levels of significance were determined using the t distribution. Mean values for the draws were calculated and compared, with the intravenous blood sample serving as a control for the IO samples.
Results:
There was a significant correlation between intravenous and IO samples for red blood cell counts and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels but not for white blood cell counts and platelet counts. There was a significant correlation between intravenous and IO samples for glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, chloride, total protein, and albumin concentrations but not for sodium, potassium, CO(2), and calcium levels.
Conclusions:
When venous blood cannot be accessed, IO blood aspirate may serve as a reliable alternate, especially for hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and most analytes in a basic blood chemistry profile. Exceptions are CO(2) levels and platelet counts, which may be lower, and white blood cell counts, which may appear elevated.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:22Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
01:26Blood Studies I: ABG and VBG
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) studies are crucial for assessing the lungs' ability to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, reflecting the patient's ventilation status. They also help understand the kidneys' capacity to reabsorb or...
01:29Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...