These procedures can be frightening for children. Technically these procedures are often quite simple to perform and are usually done in the treatment room. Your doctor will discuss both of these procedures with you and your child in more detail. Please ask questions or feel free to discuss any concerns you have with them. The bone marrow, which is in the cavity present in the center of bones, is the organ responsible for the production of red blood cells, white cells and platelets.
Most leukemias originate in the bone marrow.
A marrow sample is usually necessary to make a correct diagnosis and determine the type of leukemia present. The procedure generally involves sedating your child. This procedure is done under sterile conditions. Despite the numbing of these areas, the test can be momentarily painful when the actual sample is drawn. The bone marrow fluid sample will be stained, and the physician will then look at the sample under the microscope.