Evaluation of Marrow Cellularity

Hypocellular Bone Marrow Biopsy

This biopsy section was taken from a patient who has very few cellular elements in the marrow. Notice that over 90% of the marrow is composed of fat. If all of the cellular elements are decreased, the patient's condition is said to be pancytopenic or aplastic. There are numerous causes for aplasia, including drugs such as chloramphenicol, chemotherapy and inheritance (Fanconi's Anemia).

Learn more about laboratory continuing education for individuals and lab safety and compliance courses for the whole lab.

Introduction to Bone Marrow course details »

Learn more about medical technologist continuing education for MTs, MLTs, and other lab personnel »

Get information on laboratory compliance training for clinical and medical laboratories »