Bone Marrow

Specimen Type - Source of Specimen

Clot
Smear
Aspirate

Collection Recommendation

Specimen Requirements for Optimal Patient Care
For Bone Marrow Morphologic Evaluation:

• Attach current CBC results
• 2 peripheral smears*
• 6 - 8 bone marrow smears*
• Bone marrow aspirate clot in fixative
• Bone marrow core biopsy in fixative
• Please indicate site on the requistion (i.e. LPIC, RPIC, Sternal, etc.)

*air-dried, unfixed, unstained

For Flow Cytometry:

• Bone Marrow Aspirate (4 mL Green Na Heparin) (preferred), - or -
• Peripheral Blood (4 mL Green Na Heparin) - or -
• Bone Marrow Core or Lymph Node Tissue (fresh)

For Cytogenetics:

• Bone Marrow Aspirate (4 mL Green Na Heparin) (preferred), - or -
• Peripheral Blood (4 mL Green Na Heparin) - or -
• Bone Marrow Core or Lymph Node Tissue (fresh)

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Turnaround Time

3 - 5 days

Clinical History

Appropriate Clinical History

Other Required Information

Label specimen with two identifiers - acceptable identifiers are: Patient Name, Date of Birth, Hospital Number, SSN, Chart Number or other unique random number.
Source of Specimen - included when appropriate.

Patient Preparation

Physician explains the test procedure to the patient, usually aseptic aspiration procedure.

Specimen Handling

Stable in fixative
Call Lab for immediate pick-up