Bone Marrow Aspirate

Description: 
Bone marrow aspirates allow for the developing blood cells to visually be examined. The proportions of different cells are assessed and morphology / appearance of the individual cells noted.
The presence of cells foreign to the normal marrow can be sought, for example metastatic deposits from carcinoma.
Iron stores may also be assessed.
Examination of the bone marrow is one of the most valuable diagnostic tests to evaluate haematological disoreders.
Each request is reported by the Clinical Haematology Team.
Reference range: 

n/a

Synonyms or keywords: 
BM; Bone Marrow; MGG stain; Perl's Iron Stain
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department
Location: 
Guy's Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Bone marrow slides
Turnaround time: 
Routine: 5 working days; Urgent: Contact the Laboratory;
Special sample instructions: 

Interfering factors:

  • Poor slide preparation technique;

Report will be issued with appropriate/relevant comments.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Send to laboratory as soon as possible; delays in transportation may lead to cell deterioration.
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247

Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Routine hours: bleep 1358
Paediatrics Routine hours: bleep 1621

Out of hours, weekend and bank holidays: 17:00-9:00 bleep 0294
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital

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Last updated: 13/08/2021