What are bone marrow tests?Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found in the center of most bones. Bone marrow makes different types of blood cells. These include:Red blood cells (also called erythrocytes), which carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your bodyWhite blood cells (also called leukocytes), which help you fight infectionsPlatelets, which help with blood clotting.Bone marrow tests check to see if your bone marrow is working correctly and making normal amounts of blood cells. The tests can help diagnose and monitor various bone marrow disorders, blood disorders, and certain types of cancer. There are two types of bone marrow tests:Bone marrow aspiration, which removes a small amount of bone marrow fluidBone marrow biopsy, which removes a small amount of bone marrow tissueBone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy tests are usually performed at the same time.Other names: bone marrow examination
