Which laboratory test would be performed to further investigate atypical results in a complete blood count?

When a complete blood count (CBC) yields atypical results, further investigation is warranted to understand the underlying causes. A bone marrow evaluation is an essential diagnostic procedure that provides valuable insights into hematologic disorders. By examining the bone marrow, healthcare professionals can assess the production of blood cells, detect abnormalities in cell development, and identify potential conditions such as leukemia or aplastic anemia.

In the context of atypical CBC results, the bone marrow can reveal crucial information that other tests may not capture. Although blood smear analysis is also important as it allows for an examination of the morphology of blood cells, it does not provide the comprehensive insight into cell production and maturation that a bone marrow evaluation does. Coagulation studies primarily focus on assessing the blood's ability to clot, which may not directly correlate with the abnormalities observed in a CBC. Likewise, serological tests target specific infections or autoimmune conditions rather than elucidating issues related to blood cell formation. Thus, a bone marrow evaluation is the most informative test to address atypical CBC results.