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Published on: July 5, 2014
Stainable iron in aspirated and needle-biopsy specimens of marrow: a source of error
Abstract:
Marrow iron was assessed in needle biopsy sections and in simultaneously obtained aspirated smears and aspirated clot sections from 251 patients. Significantly different amounts of stainable iron were observed in needle biopsy sections and aspirated smears in 15% of the specimens. The usual difference consisted of significantly less stainable iron in needle biopsy sections as compared to the aspirated smears (13%). Of clinical importance was the finding of absent stainable iron in 8% of the needle biopsy sections, in contrast to the definite deposits observed in the corresponding aspirated smear. Of similar interest was the observation that 6% of the needle biopsy sections had significantly less stainable iron than corresponding hemosiderotic smears. The amounts of stainable iron in needle biopsy sections were similar to the amounts observed in the corresponding aspirated clot sections. Evaluation of marrow iron using needle biopsy sections as well as aspirated clot sections differs from results observed in aspirated smears and could be a source of significant error in the assessment of iron stores.
Insights
Assessing marrow iron stores using needle biopsy sections and aspirated smears revealed discrepancies in 15% of cases. Needle biopsies often showed less iron than aspirates, potentially leading to errors in iron store evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Accurate assessment of bone marrow iron stores is crucial for diagnosing and managing various hematological conditions.
- Different methods for evaluating bone marrow iron, such as needle biopsy and aspirate smears, may yield varying results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the quantitative assessment of stainable iron in bone marrow using needle biopsy sections versus aspirated smears and clot sections.
- To determine the clinical significance of discrepancies in iron quantification between these methods.
Main Methods:
- Bone marrow samples from 251 patients were analyzed.
- Stainable iron was assessed in simultaneously obtained needle biopsy sections, aspirated smears, and aspirated clot sections.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in stainable iron were observed between needle biopsy sections and aspirated smears in 15% of specimens.
- Needle biopsy sections typically showed less stainable iron (13%) compared to aspirated smears.
- Absent stainable iron in needle biopsies contrasted with definite deposits in aspirated smears in 8% of cases.
- Stainable iron amounts in needle biopsy sections were comparable to those in aspirated clot sections.
Conclusions:
- Evaluation of bone marrow iron using needle biopsy sections and aspirated clot sections can differ significantly from results obtained from aspirated smears.
- These discrepancies represent a potential source of significant error in the clinical assessment of iron stores.
