Bone Marrow Aspirate Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Bone Marrow Aspirate Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BMA Test, Bone Marrow Aspiration Test, Marrow Aspirate Test, Iliac Crest Tap Test, Sternal Tap Test |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow fluid (liquid aspirate) |
| Fasting Required | Not required |
| Report Time | 2 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; males and females when clinically indicated |
| Price | Starting at ₹800 |
What Is a Bone Marrow Aspirate Test?
A bone marrow aspirate test is a specialised procedure in which a small amount of liquid bone marrow is drawn out through a needle for laboratory examination. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces all blood cells. The test is also known as the BMA test, bone marrow aspiration test, or an iliac crest tap test. Doctors prescribe this test when blood test results are abnormal or when a blood disorder is suspected. The sample is usually collected from the back of the hip bone.
What Does a Bone Marrow Aspirate Test Measure?
The test examines the cells and structures inside the bone marrow to assess how well blood cell production is working. The following parameters are evaluated:
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| Cellularity | The proportion of blood-forming cells relative to fat tissue in the marrow |
| Myeloid to Erythroid (M:E) ratio | The balance between white blood cell precursors and red blood cell precursors |
| Blast cells | The percentage of very immature cells; elevated levels may suggest leukaemia |
| Megakaryocytes | Cells responsible for producing platelets (blood clotting cells) |
| Iron stores | Whether iron is deficient or present in excess |
| Cell morphology | The appearance, maturity, and structure of all cell types |
| Fibrosis | The presence of abnormal fibrous tissue that may impair marrow function |
| Erythroid series (red cell precursors) | Development and maturation pattern of red blood cell precursors |
| Myeloid series (white cell precursors) | Development and maturation pattern of granulocyte/white cell precursors |
| Plasma cells | Level of antibody-producing cells; may be increased in conditions like multiple myeloma |
| Parasites / infective organisms | Detection of organisms like Leishmania or fungal infections |
| Abnormal infiltrates | Presence of abnormal cells such as leukemia, lymphoma, or metastatic cancer |
| Cytogenetic / molecular findings | Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities that help classify and predict blood cancers |
Why Is a Bone Marrow Aspirate Test Done?
A doctor may order this test when blood test results are unexplained or when a specific blood disorder is suspected.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt a doctor to recommend a bone marrow aspirate test:
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Recurrent infections without a clear cause
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Prolonged or unexplained fevers
- Bone pain without injury
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abnormal findings on a routine blood count
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify a range of blood and marrow disorders, including:
- Leukaemia (cancers affecting white blood cells)
- Multiple myeloma (cancer of plasma cells)
- Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
- Aplastic anaemia (bone marrow failure)
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (abnormal blood cell production)
- Polycythaemia vera (excess red blood cell production)
- Infections such as tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and leishmaniasis
- Spread of known cancers (such as Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma) to the bone marrow
Bone Marrow Aspirate Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in monitoring patients with blood disorders over time. Doctors use repeated aspirations during chemotherapy for leukaemia and lymphoma to track whether treatment is working and to check for remission. It is also used to monitor patients who have had bone marrow transplants.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The bone marrow aspirate test procedure takes place in a clinical setting and requires a few practical steps before and during the visit.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You may eat and drink as normal beforehand. However, if your doctor plans to use sedation, you may be asked to avoid food and drink for a period before the procedure. Follow your doctor's specific instructions in that case.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry any recent laboratory reports to your appointment
- Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, especially blood thinners (anticoagulants), as these may need to be paused before the procedure
- Tell the medical team about any known allergies, particularly to local anaesthetics
- If sedation is planned, arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure
Step-by-Step Procedure
The bone marrow aspirate test procedure is performed by a trained doctor or specialist in a clinical setting. Here is what to expect:
- You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and lie on your side or abdomen, with the area to be examined exposed.
- The skin over the collection site is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic (numbing medicine) is injected into the skin and surface of the bone to reduce discomfort.
- A thin aspirate needle is inserted through the skin to reach the bone. With a gentle twisting motion, it passes through the hard outer layer into the soft marrow cavity inside.
- A syringe is attached to the needle, and the liquid bone marrow is drawn out carefully.
- Once the sample is collected, the needle is removed and the area is bandaged. Firm pressure is applied to stop any bleeding.
- The sample is labelled and stored in an EDTA tube, then refrigerated and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis.
The entire procedure typically takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may affect the quality of the sample or the test result:
- Recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Haemodilution (blood mixing into and diluting the marrow sample)
- Medications such as antibiotics present in the blood at the time of collection
- Incorrect sample collection or mishandling during transport
- Active infection at the biopsy site
Understanding Your Bone Marrow Aspirate Test Results
Your results will be reviewed by a haematologist or pathologist and then discussed with your treating doctor. The table below shows general reference ranges for key parameters:
| Parameter | Normal Range / Finding |
|---|---|
| Cellularity | 30–70% |
| Myeloid:Erythroid (M:E) ratio | 2:1 to 4:1 |
| Blast cells | <5% of nucleated marrow cells |
| Megakaryocytes | Present in normal or slightly variable numbers |
| Iron stores | Adequate storage iron present in macrophages; no depletion |
| Cell morphology | Normal maturation of all lineages; no dysplasia |
| Fibrosis | Grade 0–1 (minimal/none on reticulin stain in normal marrow) |
| Erythroid precursors | 20–30% of nucleated cells; normoblastic maturation |
| Myeloid series | 40–60% of nucleated cells; normal maturation without dysplasia |
| Plasma cells | < 2% of nucleated cells; not increased |
| Parasites / infective organisms | Absent |
| Abnormal infiltrates | Absent (no malignant or metastatic cells) |
| Cytogenetic / molecular findings | Normal karyotype; no pathogenic mutations |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Some patient-specific factors can influence how results are read. Low cellularity in a sample may reflect genuine marrow pathology or may simply be the result of haemodilution, which occurs when blood dilutes the aspirated sample during collection. Gender and body mass index are also known to influence haematopoiesis (the process of blood cell production), and both may affect reference values. Patients currently receiving chemotherapy will show expected changes in cellularity and cell counts, which must be interpreted in that clinical context. In cases where no bone marrow can be drawn (a "dry tap"), such as in advanced myelofibrosis, alternative sampling methods may be needed.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness habits to support healthy blood cell production:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes good sources of iron, vitamin B12, and folate
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation
- Report ongoing symptoms such as persistent fatigue, frequent infections, or unusual bleeding to your doctor without delay
Lupin Diagnostics Bone Marrow Aspirate Test Price
The bone marrow aspirate test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹800. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this procedure. The table below lists indicative prices across key cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 800 |
| CHENNAI | 800 |
| HYDERABAD | 800 |
| KOLKATA | 800 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 800 |
| PUNE | 800 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to schedule your bone marrow aspirate test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may feel a brief sharp sting when the local anaesthetic is injected and some dull discomfort when the marrow is drawn out. The area is numbed before the procedure, and sedation may be offered for additional comfort. Most patients find the discomfort manageable and short-lived.
The procedure itself takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Additional time is required for preparation and, where sedation is used, for post-procedure observation before you are discharged.
Basic results are typically ready within 2 days at Lupin Diagnostics. If additional genetic or molecular tests are required on the same sample, results may take several weeks. Your doctor will advise you on the expected timeline based on the tests ordered.
No, bone marrow aspirate test home collection is not available. This is an invasive procedure that must be performed in a clinical setting with sterile conditions and trained medical professionals. You will need to visit a hospital as directed by your doctor for sample collection.
The procedure is usually carried out by a haematologist (a specialist in blood disorders) or an oncologist (a cancer specialist). In some settings, nurses with advanced specialist training may also perform the procedure under medical supervision.
Bone marrow aspiration draws out a small amount of liquid marrow through a thin needle. A bone marrow biopsy uses a slightly larger needle to remove a solid core of marrow tissue along with a sliver of bone. Both procedures are often done together during the same visit to give a fuller picture of marrow health.
Keep the bandage on for the recommended period and avoid strenuous activity for at least a day. Mild soreness and bruising at the site are normal and usually settle within a few days. Contact your doctor if you notice significant bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection at the puncture site.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Test: Booking, Price, and Results
