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Results
By Mayo Clinic staffThe bone marrow samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Your doctor generally gives you the results within a few days, but it may take longer. Ask your doctor when you can expect to receive the results of your bone marrow exam.
At the lab, a pathologist or hematologist will evaluate the marrow samples to check the health of the marrow, to see if it's making enough healthy blood cells and to look for abnormal cells. Most of the time, the information can help your doctor confirm or rule out a diagnosis or find out how advanced a disease is or if treatment is working. In some cases, you may need follow-up tests.
References
- What are bone marrow tests? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/bmt. Accessed Nov. 4, 2011.
- Ryan DH. Examination of the marrow. In: Lichtman MA, et al. Williams Hematology. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=69. Accessed Nov. 4, 2011.
- Gomella LG, et al. Bedside procedures (bone marrow aspiration and biopsy). Clinician's Pocket Reference. 11th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2694363. Accessed Nov. 4, 2011.
- Mesa RA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz. Nov. 14, 2011.
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