Why get tested?
To help evaluate the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells (RBCs) and to help distinguish between anemia related to blood loss or destruction and anemia related to decreased RBC production; to help monitor bone marrow response and return of normal marrow function following chemotherapy treatment, bone marrow transplant, or post-treatment follow-up for iron deficiency anemia

When to get tested?
If a patient has a decreased (or increased) RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit and the doctor wants to evaluate bone marrow function

Sample required?
A blood sample obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm or sometimes from pricking a finger (or the heel of an infant)