Bone Core Volume Calculation
How to calculate the volume of a bone core.
Recently, the question came up as to what the volume of a bone core is when being captured using the tools in the MC-RAN-8C and similar kits. Volume calculations were based on inner diameter of needle lumen using the mathematical formula for volume in a cylinder: The average volume for a 2 cm bone core with an 8 gauge needle calculates to approximately 116 mm3. Please use the image below as a simple guide:V = π ⋅ r2 ⋅ h
(r = radius of the core | h = core length)
Needle lumen diameter of the MC-RAN-8C trephine needle = 8 gauge (= 0,107 in. = 2,72 mm)

Diamenter = 8 gauge | Core Length = 0,5 cm
Core Volume = 29,05 mm3
Diamenter = 8 gauge | Core Length = 1,0 cm
Core Volume = 58,11 mm3
Diamenter = 8 gauge | Core Length = 1,5 cm
Core Volume = 87,16 mm3
Diamenter = 8 gauge | Core Length = 2,0 cm
Core Volume = 116,21 mm3
Diamenter = 8 gauge | Core Length = 2,5 cm
Core Volume = 145,27 mm3
Diamenter = 8 gauge | Core Length = 3,0 cm
Core Volume = 174,32 mm3
Source: Riley RS, et al. A Pathologist’s Perspective on Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: I. Performing a Bone Marrow Examination. J Clin Lab Anal. 2004;18(2):70-90.