Description
Overview
The Bone Marrow Smear Microscopy Examination is a critical diagnostic test where a drop of aspirated bone marrow is spread thinly onto a glass slide, stained, and examined under a high-power microscope. Unlike a standard blood test, this allows pathologists to see the “factory” of the blood cells, assessing how they are being produced and maturing.
Why is this test performed?
- Anemia Investigation: To differentiate between types of anemia (e.g., Megaloblastic vs. Iron Deficiency) when blood tests are inconclusive.
- Leukemia Diagnosis: To identify and classify different types of acute and chronic leukemias.
- Platelet Disorders: To check for problems with megakaryocytes (the cells that make platelets) in conditions like ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura).
- Parasitic Infections: To detect infections that hide in the marrow, such as Leishmaniasis or Malaria.
How it Works
- Smear Preparation: Immediately after aspiration, a small drop of the marrow is placed on a slide and spread using a “spreader” slide to create a thin film with a “tail” end.
- Staining: The slide is stained with special dyes (typically Leishman or Giemsa stain) that color the cell components (nucleus and cytoplasm) distinct shades of purple, blue, and pink.
- Microscopic Analysis: A pathologist scans the slide to estimate cellularity and then zooms in to count and identify specific cell types (Myeloid, Erythroid, Megakaryocytes).
- Reporting: The M:E ratio (Myeloid to Erythroid ratio) is calculated, and any abnormal cells (blasts) are noted.
Test Details
- Sample Type: Bone Marrow Aspirate Smear (Slides)
- Stain Used: Leishman / Giemsa / Wright’s Stain
- Turnaround Time (TAT): 24–48 Hours for provisional reporting.
- Method: Light Microscopy & Morphological Evaluation.
