Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Cont.)

Diagnosing Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Tests and procedures that may be used to diagnose adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia include:
 
  • Physical exam and history
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Peripheral blood smear
  • Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
  • Cytogenetic analysis
  • Immunophenotyping.
 
Physical Exam and History
The physical exam will entail an exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient's health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
 
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count is a procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for:
 
  • The number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
  • The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells
  • The portion of the blood sample made up of red blood cells.
 
Peripheral Blood Smear
A peripheral blood smear is a procedure in which a sample of blood is checked for:
 
  • The presence of blast cells
  • The number and kinds of white blood cells
  • The number of platelets
  • The changes in the shape of blood cells.
 
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
In a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, the doctor will remove a small piece of bone and bone marrow by inserting a needle into the hipbone or breastbone. A pathologist will then view both the bone and the bone marrow samples under a microscope to look for abnormal cells.
(Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Continued: Page 4)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD