For which of the following is obtaining a bone marrow core biopsy ...

[pepyto]

For which of the following is obtaining a bone marrow core biopsy mandatory?
 
  a. Anemia is suspected.
  b. Leukemia is suspected.
  c. Megakaryocyte disorders are suspected.
  d. Aspirate is a dry tap.

Question 2

Which of the following would be a valid indication for performing a bone marrow aspiration?
 
  a. Iron deficiency
  b. Folate deficiency
  c. Unexpected pancytopenia
  d. Leukocytosis from a severe infection

[fraziera112]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
When the aspirate is a dry tap, it is imperative that a bone marrow biopsy be obtained. This gives the hematologist and/or pathologist a way of assessing the bone marrow in the absence of an aspirate (dry tap). If the aspirate is a dry tap, then something significant is present in the marrow and the biopsy will help determine the cause.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
An unexpected pancytopenia is a valid reason for performing a bone marrow aspiration so that the cause of the pancytopenia can be determined. Iron deficiency, folate deficiency, and leukocytosis from a severe infection can all be evaluated and diagnosed from tests performed on peripheral blood (and perhaps other tissues and/or fluids such as urine in a urinary tract infection).