Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells. Bone marrow tests are commonly used to diagnose aplastic anemia. While other tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) can help indicate the presence of the condition, a bone marrow test is often required to confirm the diagnosis.
What is Bone Marrow Testing?
Bone marrow testing is a procedure that collects a sample of tissue from inside the bones. The sample is examined in a laboratory to determine if the bone marrow is producing enough new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
What Does a Bone Marrow Test Show?
The bone marrow sample can show if a person has aplastic anemia. The test will indicate if the bone marrow is not producing enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These are the three types of blood cells that are typically low in people with aplastic anemia.
What Other Tests May Be Used to Diagnose Aplastic Anemia?
In addition to a bone marrow test, other tests may be used to diagnose aplastic anemia. These include a complete blood count (CBC) to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets; a peripheral blood smear to check the shape and size of red blood cells; and blood tests to measure the levels of certain proteins and hormones that help produce red blood cells.
Conclusion
Aplastic anemia can only be accurately diagnosed with a bone marrow test. Other tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or a peripheral blood smear, can help indicate the presence of the condition, but a bone marrow test is often required to confirm a diagnosis.