Bone Marrow Aspiration: A Method to Obtain Bone Marrow to Examine Cell Morphology

- Bone marrow, or the spongy tissue inside most bones, is the primary site of blood cell formation. Analysis of bone marrow cells helps in the accurate diagnosis of many blood-related disorders like leukemia. The posterior superior iliac spine is a readily accessible site and a rich source of bone marrow.

To obtain bone marrow aspirations, make the patient lie in a lateral decubitus position. Disinfect and anesthetize the intended aspiration site. Insert an aspiration needle and advance it through the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, and the cortical bone to access the spongy cancellous bone containing the bone marrow.

Remove the stylet of the needle and attach an empty syringe. Aspirate the bone marrow. Transfer a part of the aspirate into an anticoagulant-containing tube for storage without blood clotting. Transfer the remaining aspirate into a watch glass.

Locate tiny bone marrow cell aggregates or spicules and transfer one onto a glass slide. Gently glide a second glass slide over the spicule to form a smear. Dry and stain the smear for morphological examination of the bone marrow cells. The following protocol shows bone marrow sample aspiration from the posterior superior iliac