Hi Neil,
I'm told that blood testing is constantly evolving & improving - I was checked for the GATA2 gene mutation & telomere length from a blood sample recently.
Bone marrow aspirates & trephine samples are still used though - I think for more detailed analysis & staging of disease.
I've had 2 bone marrow biopsies & both times they weren't able to get any aspirate (the liquid tissue inside the bone). You're right, it was a very uncomfortable procedure due to this.
The team at Kings haven't been able to come up with an explanation or diagnosis for me yet but they appear to be actively searching for answers
