Immunophenotypic analysis of cells isolated from bone marrow biopsies in patients with failed bone marrow aspiration
1Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655.
Insights
This study presents a new method for analyzing bone marrow cells when aspiration fails. Mechanical disaggregation of core biopsies enables flow cytometry for diagnosing leukemia and lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bone marrow aspiration is crucial for diagnosing hematologic malignancies.
- Failed bone marrow aspiration limits diagnostic capabilities.
- Alternative methods for bone marrow cell analysis are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel method for immunophenotypic analysis of bone marrow cells from core biopsies.
- To evaluate the utility of this method in diagnosing leukemia and lymphoma.
Main Methods:
- Mechanical disaggregation of bone marrow core biopsies to obtain cell suspensions.
- Immunophenotypic analysis using antibody staining and flow cytometry.
- Parallel morphologic examination with Romanovski-type stains.
Main Results:
- The method successfully generated multivariate, quantitative immunophenotypic data.
- Data obtained were useful for diagnosing leukemia and lymphoma.
- The method demonstrated simplicity and reproducibility in eight cases.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical disaggregation of bone marrow core biopsies is a viable alternative for immunophenotypic analysis.
- This method aids in diagnosing hematologic malignancies when aspiration fails.
- The technique allows for integrated morphologic and immunophenotypic assessment.
Abstract:
A method for the immunophenotypic analysis of bone marrow cells in cases of failed bone marrow aspiration is described. Cell suspensions are obtained by mechanical disaggregation of bone marrow core biopsies. The isolated cells are stained with the appropriate antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry. The usefulness of the method is illustrated by presenting immunophenotypic data obtained in eight consecutive cases accessioned by the authors' laboratory. The method is simple and reproducible. It allows for parallel morphologic examination with Romanovski-type stains and is capable of generating multivariate, quantitative, immunophenotypic data useful in the diagnosis of leukemia and lymphoma.
