To diagnose aplastic anemia, physicians must examine the cells of the bone marrow and blood under a microscope.

• To do this, they will likely perform blood and laboratory tests as well as a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.
• During this test, a sample of bone marrow is removed from the hipbone with a special needle under local anesthetic.
• The physician will check the number of blood cells, including white cells known as neutrophils, clotting cells known as platelets, and young, regenerating red cells known as reticulocytes.
•  The doctor may also study kidney function or order other associated tests.
• HLA-typing, a laboratory blood test, is usually performed to ensure that patients receive immune system-compatible blood and marrow products during treatment.

Ideally, the diagnosis should be made by an experienced physician at a bone marrow failure specialty center.

What are the symptoms of aplastic anemia?