Bone Marrow Aspiration: Normal Hematopoiesis and Basic Interpretive Procedures (Online CE Course)

(based on 160 customer ratings)

Author: Marybeth Helfrich, MLS(ASCP)
Reviewer: Patricia Boyer, MSHS, MLS(ASCP)CM and Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM

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This course provides a thorough review of cellular elements encountered in normal bone marrow. It also provides guidelines for preparation of smears, including an instructional video, and evaluation and reporting of bone marrows.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1.5 hour(s)
Approved through 5/31/2026
Approved through 5/31/2026

Objectives

  • Describe bone marrow sample collection, smear preparation, and routine staining techniques.
  • Recognize and identify myeloid and erythroid precursors found in normal bone marrow aspirates.
  • Compare lymphocytes, hematogones, and plasma cells.
  • Compare and contrast monocytes, monocyte precursors, and macrophages.
  • Describe benign background cell types found in normal bone marrow.
  • Outline and explain standard procedures for reporting bone marrow differentials.

Customer Ratings

(based on 160 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Bone Marrow Aspirates
  • Normal Bone Marrow Morphology
    • Myeloid Maturation Sequence
      • Myeloblast
      • Promyelocyte
      • Myelocyte
      • Myelocytes: Eosinophils and Basophils
      • Metamyelocyte
      • Band Neutrophil
      • Segmented Neutrophil
      • Place the following stages of neutrophilic granulocyte cellular development in the correct order of maturation, beginning with the earliest recognizab...
    • Erythroid Maturation Sequence
      • Erythrocytic Cells: Introduction
      • Pronormoblast (Proerythroblast)
      • Basophilic Normoblast
      • Polychromatophilic Normoblast
      • Orthochromic Normoblast
      • True or False? When performing bone marrow differentials, it is not necessary to distinguish the precursor forms of the erythroid sequence.
    • Monocytes/Macrophages
      • Monoblast
      • Promonocyte
      • Monocyte
      • Macrophage (Histiocyte)
      • Hemophagocytosis
    • Lymphocytes/Hematogones/Plasma Cells
      • Lymphocyte
      • Hematogone
      • Plasma Cell
      • What are the cells that are indicated by the red arrows in the image on the right?
    • Megakaryocytes
      • Megakaryocyte: Immature
      • Megakaryocyte: Mature
    • Other Constituents of Normal Bone Marrow
  • Bone Marrow Evaluation and Reporting
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate to Advanced
Intended Audience: Clinical laboratory technologists, technicians, and pathologists. This course is also appropriate for clinical laboratory science students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Marybeth Helfrich, MLS(ASCP) is currently a Laboratory Technologist Specialist for the Hematology/Oncology Laboratory at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She received her BS, MT from Temple University in Philadelphia and has nearly 40 years of experience in both adult and pediatric hematology and oncology settings. She is a regular presenter for ASCLS-PA and has been a presenter for ASCP (local and national) and the Texas Teleconference network. She is responsible for hematology morphology instruction and training for medical technologists and fellows. She is also a regular developer of morphology tutorials for in-house continuing education activities.
Reviewer Information:
Patricia Boyer, MSHS, MLS(ASCP)CM is the Program Director of the Zablocki VAMC School of Medical Technology and an adjunct professor at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She has a Master of Science in Health Sciences with an emphasis on professional education. She currently teaches in the areas of hematology, transfusion medicine, and hemostasis.
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.
Course information: This course provides a thorough review of cellular elements encountered in normal bone marrow. It also provides guidelines for the preparation of smears, including an instructional video and evaluation and reporting of bone marrows.

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 183 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
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