Bone Marrow Aspiration Slides For Review Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Bone Marrow Aspiration Slides For Review Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BM Slide Review, Bone Marrow Aspirate Slide Review, Bone Marrow Smear Review, BMA Slide Review |
| Sample Type | Pre-prepared bone marrow aspiration slides (stained or unstained smears) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 days |
| Recommended For | All age groups, males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹850 |
What is a Bone Marrow Aspiration Slides For Review Test?
The Bone Marrow Aspiration Slides For Review Test is a specialised laboratory examination in which pre-prepared slides from a patient's bone marrow aspirate are studied under a microscope by a trained pathologist. Bone marrow is the soft tissue found inside bones that produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test is also known as a BM Slide Review or Bone Marrow Smear Review, and it gives doctors detailed information about how blood cells are being made and whether any abnormalities are present.
What Does a Bone Marrow Aspiration Slides For Review Test Measure?
The pathologist examines the slides carefully and evaluates several key aspects of the bone marrow sample. The table below outlines the main parameters assessed.
| Parameter | What It Tells the Doctor |
|---|---|
| Cellularity | Whether the proportion of blood-forming cells is normal, too high, or too low for the patient's age |
| Myeloid to Erythroid (M:E) Ratio | Compares white blood cell precursors to red blood cell precursors |
| Cell Maturation | Whether cells in each lineage are developing in an orderly and complete manner |
| Blast Count | Percentage of immature cells (blasts); a raised count may point to leukaemia |
| Abnormal Cells | Any unusual changes in the number, size, shape, or maturity of blood cells |
| Iron Stores | Assessed using special stains such as Perls' stain; graded on a scale of 0 to 4+ |
| Megakaryocytes | Large cells that produce platelets; checked for adequate numbers |
Why is a Bone Marrow Aspiration Slides For Review Test Done?
Doctors request the bone marrow aspiration slides for review test when blood test results are abnormal or when a serious blood disorder is suspected. It provides information that routine blood tests cannot offer.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath without a clear cause
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Unexplained fever lasting several weeks
- Unintended weight loss
- Night sweats
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The bone marrow aspiration slides for review test can help identify a wide range of blood and bone marrow conditions, including:
- Leukaemia (acute and chronic types)
- Lymphoma, including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma (a cancer of plasma cells)
- Aplastic anaemia (where the marrow fails to produce enough blood cells)
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (abnormal blood cell production)
- Spread of cancers from other organs, such as the breast, lung, or prostate
- Infections, including tuberculosis and systemic fungal diseases
- Unexplained low or high blood cell counts
Bone Marrow Aspiration Slides For Review Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in monitoring patients undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation. By examining the marrow at intervals, doctors can assess whether treatment is working and whether the marrow is recovering as expected. It is commonly repeated every 3 to 6 months during treatment for leukaemia, lymphoma, or after a stem cell transplant.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward. The steps below cover both what you need to do before the bone marrow aspiration and what happens during the process.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the bone marrow aspiration slides for review test. There are no specific dietary restrictions before the procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before attending your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Bring any recent laboratory reports to your appointment
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, especially blood thinners, as some may need to be paused before the procedure
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of the test
- Arrange for someone to accompany you, particularly if sedation is used during the aspiration
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the bone marrow aspiration and slide preparation take place:
- The skin over the collection site (usually the back of the hip bone) is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area and the bone surface.
- A special needle is inserted into the bone, and a small amount of bone marrow fluid is drawn out using suction.
- The aspirated marrow is spread onto glass slides, labelled, dried thoroughly, and then fixed and stained for microscopic examination.
- The prepared slides are sent to the laboratory, where a haematopathologist (a specialist in blood disorders) examines them under a microscope.
- After the procedure, the patient is advised to keep the collection site dry and covered for approximately 48 hours.
- The completed slide review report is issued within the turnaround time provided at booking.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the quality of results. These include:
- Poor slide preparation or inadequate staining
- Haemodilution, where blood dilutes the bone marrow sample during collection
- Medications that affect bone marrow, such as chemotherapy agents or immunosuppressants
- Recent blood transfusions
- The absence of a recent blood count or blood smear for comparison
Understanding Your Bone Marrow Aspiration Slides For Review Test Results
Results from the bone marrow aspiration slides for review are interpretive and depend heavily on clinical context. A haematopathologist integrates findings with the patient's history, symptoms, and other test results. The table below outlines the general reference ranges for key parameters.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cellularity | 25% to 75% haematopoietic cells | Higher cellularity is normal in younger individuals |
| Myeloid to Erythroid (M:E) Ratio | 2:1 to 4:1 | Deviations may suggest anaemia, infection, or blood disorders |
| Blasts | Less than 5% | Raised blast counts may indicate leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndromes |
| Megakaryocytes | Adequate numbers present | Absence or excess may indicate platelet disorders |
| Iron Stores | Grade 2 to 3+ | Graded on a scale of 0 to 4+ using special staining |
Disclaimer: 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
Certain circumstances can alter bone marrow findings and should be disclosed to your doctor:
- Chemotherapy and treatment with certain agents (such as retinoic acid or growth factors) can cause changes in marrow appearance, including marrow necrosis.
- Recent viral infections, such as HIV or parvovirus, may temporarily affect blood cell production.
- Nutritional deficiencies, particularly of vitamin B12, folate, or iron, can produce abnormal-looking cells in the marrow.
- Prior bone marrow transplantation changes the expected appearance of the marrow significantly.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is not a routine wellness check, the following general habits support healthy bone marrow function:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes good sources of iron (leafy greens, legumes), vitamin B12 (dairy, eggs, fish), and folate (pulses, citrus fruit).
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can suppress bone marrow activity over time.
- Attend all follow-up appointments if you have a known blood condition, so any changes can be detected early.
Lupin Diagnostics Bone Marrow Aspiration Slides For Review Test Price
The bone marrow aspiration slides for review test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹850. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 850 |
| CHENNAI | 850 |
| HYDERABAD | 850 |
| KOLKATA | 850 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 850 |
| PUNE | 850 |
Disclaimer: 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 book your bone marrow aspiration slides for review test online:
- 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
Bone marrow aspiration is the clinical procedure in which a small amount of marrow fluid is withdrawn from inside a bone using a needle. The bone marrow aspiration slides for review is a laboratory service in which the prepared slides from the aspirate are examined microscopically by a specialist pathologist. The slide review is purely a laboratory process and involves no additional discomfort for the patient.
The slide review itself takes place entirely in the laboratory and causes no pain. The bone marrow aspiration procedure that produces the slides does involve some discomfort, but local anaesthesia is used to numb the area and minimise pain during collection.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically available within 2 days. In some cases, additional specialist tests may be needed alongside the slide review, which can extend the overall turnaround time.
Yes, this test can help identify several types of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow, including leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It can also show whether cancers from other parts of the body have spread to the marrow. In many cases, additional tests such as flow cytometry or molecular studies are needed to confirm the final diagnosis.
Bone marrow findings are interpreted alongside your clinical history and recent blood counts. A recent complete blood count or blood smear gives the pathologist important context, making the slide review more accurate and meaningful. Without this information, some findings can be difficult to interpret correctly.
The slides are reviewed by a pathologist, and in most cases a haematopathologist — a doctor who specialises specifically in diagnosing blood and bone marrow disorders. Their expertise allows them to identify subtle abnormalities that are relevant to diagnosis and treatment planning.
A repeat review is commonly requested to monitor how well a patient is responding to treatment for conditions such as leukaemia or lymphoma. It may also be requested to confirm a complex or uncertain diagnosis, or to assess marrow recovery after a stem cell transplant.
Bone Marrow Aspiration Slides For Review Test: Booking, Price, and Results
