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Bone Marrow

Description
Includes short term (usually 24 and 48 hour) unstimulated cultures of bone marrow cells. For suspected chronic B-cell malignancies, longer term (3-7days) pokeweed stimulated cultures are established. Cytogenetic evaluation includes detailed analysis of 20 cells and at least two banded karyotypes. The referring physician is called with results as soon as they are available.

Indications
• suspected hematologic malignancy
• chronic myelogenous leukemia and other myeloproliferative disorders
• myelodysplastic syndrome
• acute myelogenous leukemia
• acute lymphocytic leukemia
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other chronic lymphoproliferative disorders
• lymphoma
• follow-up after chemotherapy, radiation, or bone marrow transplantation
• rapid determination of karyotype of newborn with multiple severe congenital anomalies

Specimen Requirements
2 cc bone marrow in a green-top (sodium heparin) tube or 2 cc bone marrow with 0.3 cc sodium heparin in a red-top tube. Invert several times to mix bone marrow. Culture of clotted marrow often does not result in spontaneously dividing cells necessary for cytogenetic analysis. Other anticoagulants such as lithium heparin may be harmful to the viability of the cells. Specimen may be refrigerated. Specimen cannot be frozen. Label tube with patient's name and laboratory control number. Send to Great Lakes Genetics as soon as possible. Include a copy of a recent peripheral blood CBC with differential and indicate the suspected diagnosis on the Great Lakes Genetics Requisition Form.

Reference Value
46,XX or 46,XY

Turn Around Time
2-8 days (generally 3 days)

CPT Codes
88262 - chromosome analysis, hematologic disorders
88237 - chromosome analysis, tissue culture for bone marrow