Bone marrow tests

Bone Marrow Tests

Bone marrow tests refer to a group of medical procedures that involve the extraction and examination of a sample of bone marrow. They are primarily used to diagnose and monitor blood and marrow diseases, including cancer and leukemia.

Pronunciation

Bone Marrow Tests: /boʊn ˈmæroʊ tɛsts/

Etymology

The term "bone marrow" originates from the Old English words "ban" (bone) and "mearh" (marrow). The term "test" comes from the Old French "test" (small vessel), which is derived from the Latin "testum" (earthen pot).

Procedure

Bone marrow tests typically involve two parts: a bone marrow aspiration and a bone marrow biopsy. In a bone marrow aspiration, a small amount of liquid marrow is taken from the bone, usually the hipbone. In a bone marrow biopsy, a small piece of bone and marrow is removed for examination.

Indications

Bone marrow tests are often performed to diagnose or monitor various diseases and conditions, including:

• Anemia
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Myeloproliferative neoplasms

Risks

Like all medical procedures, bone marrow tests carry some risks. These may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain
• Reaction to anesthesia

Related Terms

• Hematology: The branch of medicine that deals with the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases.
• Oncology: The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
• Pathology: The scientific study of the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences.

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