Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy in Critical Pediatric Patients: A Pathologist’s Perspective

Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) and bone marrow biopsy (BMB), are medical modalities for the detection of non-malignant diseases as well as hematological malignancies in children. BMA attained momentum in the past few years owing to the possibility of achieving hematopoietic stem cells. Liquid bone marrow is aspirated through posterior/anterior iliac crest, tibia, and vertebral spinous process during BMA procedure in children for assessment of morphology at the microscopic level while BMB allows for cytological evaluation of marrow. It is also used for molecular genetics, immune-phenotypic, cytogenetics, and other specialized examinations. Additionally, BMA is also helpful in the reconstruction of tissue. These procedures should be performed by a specialist who has knowledge about the indication, contradictions, and hazards of these procedures due to their invasive nature. Still, there are no transparent guidelines available especially in the case of BMA for children. The purpose of this overview article is to focus on the specific guidelines to carry out the BMA and BMB in children and the techniques as well as complications associated with the BMA and BMB.