Aspiration does not influence interpretation of bone marrow biopsy cellularity.
Alterations of hematopoietic cellularity have been described in preaspirated marrow biopsy specimens. In this study, the extent of aspiration-induced artifacts was evaluated by comparing preaspirated and nonaspirated marrow biopsy specimens obtained from individual patients. Fourteen patients (28 specimens) were studied. One specimen, containing only cortical bone, was not evaluable. Of the remaining specimens, estimation of hematopoietic cellularity was not disturbed by preaspiration. Provided an adequate sized biopsy specimen is obtained, this study demonstrates that aspiration can be performed immediately before biopsy without altering the interpretation of hematopoietic cellularity. This makes a simple one-step aspiration-biopsy technic possible, without loss in diagnostic accuracy. In addition, without the need for repositioning to a different site on the iliac crest, patient tolerance should be improved.