Bone Marrow, PAS Stain Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Bone Marrow, PAS Stain Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PAS Stain (Bone Marrow), Periodic Acid-Schiff Stain, Cytochemical Stain |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate smears |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; primarily ordered when a blood or bone marrow disorder is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹450 |
What is a Bone Marrow, PAS Stain Test?
The Bone Marrow, PAS stain test is a specialised laboratory test that uses a chemical staining technique called Periodic Acid-Schiff staining to examine bone marrow cells. The stain highlights carbohydrate-rich substances within cells, helping doctors identify abnormal cell patterns linked to blood disorders. It is also known as the PAS Stain (Bone Marrow) or Periodic Acid-Schiff Stain. A bone marrow aspirate sample is collected from the hip bone and analysed manually by a trained pathologist.
What Does a Bone Marrow, PAS Stain Test Measure?
The Bone Marrow, PAS stain test detects the presence and distribution of carbohydrate-containing substances within bone marrow cells. These include glycogen (the stored form of sugar), glycoproteins, glycolipids, and mucins. Cells that contain high amounts of these substances stain red or magenta, while others remain lightly coloured. The staining pattern across different cell types helps doctors identify abnormal cells.
Here is what the test examines in each cell type:
| Cell Type | What Is Assessed |
|---|---|
| Lymphocytes | Presence and degree of fine granular positivity |
| Neutrophils | Intensity of granular staining; used as a positive reference |
| Myeloblasts (immature white blood cells) | Whether granules are present or absent |
| Erythroid precursors (developing red blood cells) | Normally negative; abnormal positivity suggests disease |
| Monocytes | Degree and pattern of diffuse positivity |
Why is a Bone Marrow, PAS Stain Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a blood or bone marrow disorder. It provides information that is not visible on routine blood counts. Below are the situations in which it is commonly used.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend the Bone Marrow, PAS stain test procedure when a patient presents with any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained and persistent fatigue
- Frequent infections without an obvious cause
- Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
- Persistent fever not explained by infection
- Enlarged lymph nodes (swollen glands in the neck, armpit, or groin)
- Bone pain or tenderness
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The PAS Stain test can assist in identifying a range of blood and bone marrow conditions, including:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a cancer of immature white blood cells
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a cancer of myeloid blood cells
- Erythroleukemia, a rare blood cancer affecting red blood cell precursors
- Myelodysplastic syndromes, conditions where bone marrow does not produce healthy blood cells
- Glycogen storage disorders such as Late-Onset Pompe Disease and Gaucher Disease
- Fungal infections involving the bone marrow
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for the Bone Marrow, PAS Stain test is straightforward, but the bone marrow collection procedure requires some practical arrangements on your part.
Do You Need to Fast?
No. Fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before attending your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, especially blood thinners or any treatment for a blood disorder
- Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or low platelet count
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing so the doctor can easily access your hip area
- Arrange for someone to accompany you home after the procedure, as the local anaesthetic may leave you feeling tired
Step-by-Step Procedure
The bone marrow sample for the Bone Marrow, PAS stain test procedure is collected by a trained doctor in a clinical setting. Here is what typically happens:
- You will lie on your side or stomach. The sample is usually taken from the iliac crest, which is a part of your hip bone at the back.
- The doctor cleans the skin over the site and injects a local anaesthetic to numb the area and the surface of the bone.
- Once the area is numb, a small incision is made in the skin, and a hollow needle is inserted into the bone.
- The doctor attaches a syringe to the needle and draws out a small amount of bone marrow fluid. You may feel a brief, sharp sensation lasting a few seconds as this happens.
- At least four unfixed bone marrow aspirate smears and two unfixed peripheral blood smears are prepared and sent to the laboratory for PAS staining.
- The doctor applies pressure to stop any bleeding and covers the site with a bandage. The sample is then stored under refrigeration and dispatched to the lab.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the quality and interpretation of results:
- Poor quality or insufficient bone marrow sample collected
- Improper preparation or fixation of smears before staining
- Incorrect staining technique or timing in the laboratory
- An incomplete clinical history was provided to the pathologist
- Conditions that affect cell morphology, such as active infections or prior treatment
Understanding Your Bone Marrow, PAS Stain Test Results
Results from the Bone Marrow, PAS Stain test are interpreted by a pathologist alongside your clinical history and other laboratory findings. The table below shows expected staining patterns for each cell type.
| Cell Type | Normal Pattern | Abnormal Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Lymphocytes | Fine granular positivity in 10 to 40% of cells | Increased block positivity |
| Neutrophils | Intense, confluent granular positivity | Loss of positivity |
| Myeloblasts | Few small granules or negative | Increased or block positivity |
| Erythroid precursors | Negative | Block or diffuse positivity |
| Monocytes | Variable diffuse positivity | Marked increase or block pattern |
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
The way results appear can change depending on technical and clinical circumstances. Variations in staining intensity across different cell types can make interpretation difficult without expert pathologist review. Improper handling of slides or timing errors during staining can create artefacts, which are misleading patterns that do not reflect actual cell changes. This is why clinical context and a detailed history are essential for accurate diagnosis.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this is a diagnostic test rather than a routine monitoring tool, these general wellness tips support healthy blood cell production:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods, leafy greens, and foods high in vitamins B12 and folate
- Attend regular check-ups if you have a family history of blood disorders
- Report symptoms such as unusual fatigue, bruising, or frequent infections to your doctor without delay
Lupin Diagnostics Bone Marrow, PAS Stain Test Price
The Bone Marrow, PAS stain test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹450. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as the bone marrow aspiration procedure must be carried out by a trained healthcare professional in a clinical setting. Home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 450 |
| CHENNAI | 450 |
| HYDERABAD | 450 |
| KOLKATA | 450 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 450 |
| PUNE | 450 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Getting a Bone Marrow, PAS stain test online booking through Lupin Diagnostics is simple:
- 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 by a trained doctor.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bone Marrow, PAS stain test is used to detect abnormal patterns of glycogen and carbohydrate-rich substances in bone marrow cells. It helps doctors classify types of leukaemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and identify other blood or marrow disorders. It is not a standalone diagnostic test and is always reviewed alongside other investigations.
You will feel a brief sting when the numbing injection is given. As the needle enters the bone and the marrow fluid is drawn out, some patients experience a sharp pressure or sucking sensation. This typically lasts only a few seconds. The local anaesthetic reduces most of the discomfort during the procedure.
Block positivity refers to large, solid-looking areas of red or magenta staining within a cell. This pattern, seen on a clear background, is characteristic of lymphoblasts and is most commonly associated with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Your doctor will combine this finding with other test results before reaching a diagnosis.
No. The PAS Stain test is one part of a broader diagnostic process. It is usually ordered alongside other tests such as flow cytometry, bone marrow biopsy, and genetic analysis. A pathologist will assess all findings together before a diagnosis is made.
Serious complications are uncommon. Approximately one in every 1,000 people may experience a complication, most commonly excessive bleeding or infection at the collection site. The risk is slightly higher in individuals with bleeding disorders, very low platelet counts, or weakened immune systems. Your doctor will assess your suitability for the procedure beforehand.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically delivered within 2 days of the laboratory receiving the sample. Turnaround times may vary depending on the completeness of clinical information provided with the sample.
The Bone Marrow, PAS stain test is interpreted manually by a pathologist. Without your full clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and current treatment, it is difficult to interpret staining patterns accurately. Providing complete information ensures your results are as meaningful and reliable as possible.
Bone Marrow, PAS Stain Test: Booking, Price, and Results
