What is the maximum time frame for sending a bone marrow aspirate sample for analysis?

The correct response is that a bone marrow aspirate sample should ideally be sent for analysis within 12 hours. This timeframe is crucial because the viability of the cells and the accuracy of the results can be significantly compromised if the sample is delayed beyond this period.

Bone marrow samples are typically processed promptly to ensure that living cells can be evaluated for various parameters, including cytological examination and flow cytometry analysis. The first 12 hours allow for optimal preservation of cell morphology and function, which are essential for accurate diagnosis and subsequent management of hematological disorders.

If the sample is not analyzed within this recommended timeframe, there may be degradation of cellular components, leading to unreliable results that can affect clinical decisions. Therefore, strict adherence to the 12-hour window is critical in the lab environment, particularly in the context of urgent assessments such as ruling out malignancies or monitoring treatment efficacy.