Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: collection and interpretation

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To describe the role of the oncology nurse practitioner in the performance of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and discuss the indications and diagnostic value of bone marrow examination.

DATA SOURCES

Published articles, textbooks, personal experience.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Bone marrow examination is useful in the diagnosis of many nonhematologic and hematologic conditions. Having a nurse practitioner perform bone marrow aspiration can improve patient care and comfort.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater understanding of bone marrow aspiration procedure and diagnostic tests helps nurse practitioners and oncology nurses to provide better patient care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Advanced practice nurses in the oncology setting must take an active role in the development and implementation of clinical practice protocols for bone marrow collection.

Medical investigations. 6: Bone marrow aspiration

When performed under local anaesthetic, bone marrow aspiration (BMA) is a safe, quick and relatively simple method of obtaining a sample of red bone marrow for cytological, histological and microbiological examination. The additional technique of bone marrow biopsy (BMB) provides a representative core of bone marrow for examination of the architecture and cellularity of the bone marrow. BMA and BMB, therefore, provide a reliable method of ascertaining the numbers, nature and development of erythrocyte, leucocyte and platelet precursors.