Bone marrow examination: techniques and interpretation

Proper evaluation of the bone marrow requires adequate sampling, appropriate specimen processing, sufficient clinical history, and review of representative blood smears and pertinent laboratory data. Aspiration and needle biopsy should be performed at the same time routinely. Aspirate smears, touch preparations from the biopsy, and sections from the aspirate and biopsy should be processed appropriately and examined in a systematic fashion to perform a comprehensive evaluation considered essential to arrive at or rule out a diagnosis, or as an adjunct in the management of patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.