Bone marrow culture
Definition
Bone marrow culture is an examination of the soft, fatty tissue found inside certain bones. This tissue, called bone marrow, produces blood cells. The test is done to find out what may be causing an infection.
Alternative Names
Culture - bone marrow
How the Test is Performed
The doctor removes a sample of your bone marrow from the back of your pelvic bone or breast bone. This may be done using bone marrow aspiration or a biopsy.
The removed tissue is sent to a lab, where it is placed into a special container called a culture dish. Everyday, the laboratory specialist will look at the tissue under a microscope to see if any bacteria, fungi, or viruses have grown.
If microorganisms are found, other tests may be done to learn which drugs will kill the organisms. Treatment can then be started based on these results.
How the Test Will Feel
You may feel pressure and pain as the marrow is being removed. (You may be given some numbing medicine, called anesthesia, prior to the procedure.)
Soreness at the site usually lasts from a few hours to 1-2 days.
Why the Test is Performed
You may have this test if you have an unexplained fever or if your health care provider thinks you have an infection of the bone marrow.
Normal Results
No organism growth in the culture media is normal.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results suggest that you have an infection of the bone marrow. The infection may be bacterial, viral, or fungal.
Risks
The risks include bleeding and infection.
Considerations
Fluid (aspirate) or a piece of tissue (biopsy specimen) from the bone marrow may be sent for many different types of tests. These tests may increase costs.
References
Hoffman R, Benz E, Shattil S, Furie B, Cohen H. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone, 2004.
Cohen J, Powderly WG. Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby, 2003.
Review Date:
3/13/2007
Reviewed By:
Mark Levin, M.D., Hematologist and Oncologist, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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