What is the purpose of a bone marrow biopsy?

A bone marrow biopsy is primarily performed to obtain bone marrow tissue for examination. The primary purpose of this procedure is to diagnose or rule out various hematologic diseases, such as leukemias, lymphomas, and anemias, which often involves analyzing the genetic makeup of the cells present in the bone marrow. Cytogenetic analysis, which examines the chromosomes and genetic material of the cells, is critical in identifying specific changes that can impact diagnosis and treatment decisions in conditions like cancer.

This analysis provides insights into the presence of chromosomal abnormalities, which can inform prognosis and guide targeted therapies. The other options provided do not reflect the primary uses of a bone marrow biopsy. Vitamin deficiency assessment, hormone status evaluation, and bone density measurement are handled through different diagnostic methods, such as blood tests or imaging techniques, rather than requiring invasive procedures like a biopsy.