Which of the following conditions would warrant a bone marrow ...

[jrubin]

Which of the following conditions would warrant a bone marrow aspiration?
 
  a. Iron deficiency in a patient with colon cancer
  b. Severe hereditary spherocytosis
  c. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with very low hemoglobin and marked red cell fragments
  d. Not possible to determine obvious reason for anemia

Question 2

Which of the following red blood cell (RBC) findings are specific for a certain condition as opposed to being nonspecific and found in many conditions?
 
  a. Ovalocytes
  b. Poikilocytosis
  c. Sickle cells
  d. Burr cells

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Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
When a patient is anemic and testing reveals no obvious reason, a bone marrow aspiration (smear) is warranted. The myeloid-to-erythroid (M:E) M:E ratio and overall cellularity of the marrow can be assessed. The morphology not only of erythroid but also of all other blood-forming cells in the marrow can be evaluated. This can provide useful information as to the cause. All the other situations listed can be diagnosed with appropriate testing on blood (may include other tests besides hematologic).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Many different abnormally shaped RBCs are not specific for any one cause for anemia. One exception is the sickle cell, which is almost diagnostic for sickle cell disease.

[jrubin]

Excellent

[sailorcrescent]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it