BONE-MARROW CELLULARITY DETERMINATION - COMPARISON OF BIOPSY, ASPIRATE, AND BUFFY COAT

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 49  (1) , 29-31
Abstract
Bone marrow biopsies (244) performed with a Jamshidi needle were evaluated in 53 children with leukemia or aplastic anemia. Adequate specimens were obtained in 85%. Results of cellularity estimated by biopsy were compared to the cellularity of the aspirate vs. volumetric determination of the myeloid-erythroid layer (buffy coat). A wide discrepancy was noted between marrow cellularity confirmed by biopsy vs. the aspirate or buffy coat. The greatest variance was seen in the hypercellular or normocellular marrows, as estimated by biopsy, in which 39% were misinterpreted as moderately or severely hypocellular by aspirate. Volumetric measurement of buffy coat was least acceptable for estimating cellularity. The biopsy is an important and reliable indicator of bone marrow cellularity.

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