Diagnostic tests and procedures to detect acute myelogenous leukemia include blood tests, bone marrow test, lumbar puncture or spinal tap, imaging tests. Chest x-ray and ultrasound of other body organs can detect spread of acute myelogenous leukemia.
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
New York (USA), June 25, 2013
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia: Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Diagnostic tests and procedures to detect acute myelogenous leukemia include:
Blood Tests: The very first indication of acute myelogenous leukemia is an abnormal result on a complete blood count. If there are a huge number of white blood cells with a presence of leukemic blasts, it projects acute myelogenous leukemia. If red blood cells are low in number, platelets record decreased number, and white blood cells are few in numbers, it indicates acute myelogenous leukemia. Blood smear can detect these.
Bone Marrow Test: This is a more definitive and confirmative diagnostic test for acute myelogenous leukemia. A biopsy needle is inserted into your hipbone to take out a sample of your bone marrow. This is tested in the laboratory for acute myelogenous leukemia through light microscopy and flow cytometry. This test not only determines presence of acute myelogenous leukemia but also classifies specific subtype of AML. There are seven subtypes of acute myelogenous leukemia ranging from M0 to M7. It also detects chromosomal abnormalities through routine cytogenetics or fluorescent in situ hybridization.
Lumbar Puncture or Spinal Tap: Sometimes leukemia cells spread to spinal cord and brain. Spinal tap test detects presence of leukemic cells in spinal fluid. A small needle is inserted in your lower back to the spinal canal and spinal fluid is collected. This fluid is tested in the laboratory for presence of leukemic cells.
Imaging Tests: Chest x-ray and ultrasound of other body organs can detect spread of acute myelogenous leukemia to other body parts and tissues.
If these tests indicate presence of leukemic cells, you have acute myelogenous leukemia and have to undergo further detailed tests to determine specific subtype based on the type of blood cells affected and extent of spread of disease in your body. This will help in administering correct treatment immediately.
Since such diagnosis and classification of acute myelogenous leukemia is extremely challenging, a qualified hematologist should ideally do it. Normally specific morphologic features like Auer rods or flow cytometry results can differentiate acute myelogenous leukemia from other types of leukemia. However, if such distinct features are absent, diagnosis is difficult and takes more time.
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