Bone Marrow Panel – Small Animal

Cytologic and histologic evaluation of bone marrow aspirate and core biopsy samples, respectively. Complete blood count (CBC) included and provides measurement of WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, reticulocytes, PLT, PCT, MPV. Microscopic blood smear review for WBC differential, cellular morphology, and infectious agents.

All of the following: 

• bone marrow in EDTA
• freshly prepared air-dried bone marrow cytology slides
• 1 mL peripheral blood in EDTA
• freshly prepared air-dried peripheral blood smear
• core biopsy specimen in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF)

Peripheral blood smears and bone marrow aspirate/cytology smears should be prepared at the time of collection. For the biopsy sample a minimum formalin to tissue ratio of 5:1 is recommended to ensure total fixation. A 10:1 ratio is ideal.

• Peripheral blood – EDTA tube (purple top) and slide container.
• Bone marrow aspirate – EDTA tube (purple top) and slide container.
• Bone marrow core biopsy – Sealed, leak-proof, wide mouth plastic container. Samples submitted in glass containers are not acceptable and will incur an additional processing charge.

Label all samples. Ship overnight on cold packs. Protect samples from direct contact with cold packs.

Provide a brief clinical history and previous CBC data. A fee will be charged for cases with no clinical history. Unfixed (fresh) tissue and tissue requiring decalcification may incur additional charges and will take longer to process, potentially delaying turnaround time.This panel is performed in the Clinical Pathology and Histopathology Sections in College Station.