33 - Bone Marrow Exam

Question 1

What is a very important lab value to obtain in a bone marrow examination?

Answer 1

Myeloid to erythroid ratio (M:E ratio)

There SHOULD be 3-4 myeloid line cells for every 1 erythroid line cell ****

M:E ratio should be 3:1

Question 2

What is a common indication for a bone marrow biopsy?

Answer 2

• Diagnosing cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Etc.

NOT for the diagnosis of diabetes ***

Question 3

What is the preferred site for a bone marrow biopsy?

Answer 3

POSTERIOR SUPERIOR ILIAC CREST ***

Not the sternum, ribs or any other bone in the body