Is bone marrow biopsy done with flow cytometry?

A bone marrow biopsy obtains a core of marrow tissue, often alongside a liquid aspirate. Flow cytometry is a laboratory analysis usually performed on a fresh cell sample from the aspirate. It passes cells through a measuring instrument and detects combinations of markers on or inside them.

Those patterns can help identify groups of abnormal cells and support the classification of blood cancers or other marrow disorders. Flow cytometry is not required for every procedure; the tests selected depend on symptoms, blood results, examination, and the reason for sampling.

Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, allergies, bleeding problems, and difficulty lying in the required position. Ask whether both a core sample and liquid aspirate are planned. Afterward, keep the dressing clean and dry as instructed, avoid strenuous activity for the period advised, and attend the appointment where the results are combined.

A flow-cytometry result is one part of the assessment. The final explanation may also use the marrow appearance, blood counts, genetics, and other laboratory findings.

Contact the procedure team promptly for bleeding that continues, worsening pain, increasing swelling, fever, or redness and drainage at the site. Seek urgent help for fainting, severe weakness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing after the procedure.

Will an aspirate be collected for flow cytometry as well as a core biopsy? What question is the test intended to answer? When will the flow-cytometry and full marrow results be ready, and who will explain how they fit together?