What blood tests are used to diagnose leukemia?

The results of a CBC, diff and peripheral blood smear are an essential part of diagnosing leukemia and, if present, determining the type of leukemia. These blood tests tend to reveal different findings depending on the type of leukemia.

Which test would not be helpful in diagnosing leukemia?

Even though these findings may suggest leukemia, the disease usually is not diagnosed without looking at a sample of bone marrow cells. Blood chemistry tests: Blood chemistry tests measure the amounts of certain chemicals in the blood, but they are not used to diagnose leukemia.

What clues on a CBC would make a doctor suspect leukemia?

CBC is the most useful initial laboratory test in patients suspected of having leukemia. Most patients will show some abnormality in the CBC and some blasts will be seen in the peripheral smear in patients with acute leukemias. To diagnose CLL, a lymphocytosis of greater than 5000/mm3 must be present.

Will a CBC detect leukemia conclusively?

Follow-up tests and detailed evaluation is necessary, but CBC is one of the earliest indicators to pave way for further investigation. Will a CBC detect leukemia for sure? The answer is no. But a detailed analysis of its various components can definitely contribute towards the diagnosis in a significant way.

Can you have a normal CBC and still have leukemia?

Yes and no: You can be diagnosed with leukemia at any age but you would not have a normal CBC and WBC. A slightly low hemaglobin is not a symptom of leukemia. It is more often due to inadequate iron intake in women because we loose blood every month with our periods.

What types of cancer can a CBC detect?

A CBC may be used to detect a variety of conditions, including leukemia, anemia and infection. Also, because some cancer treatments may temporarily lower blood counts, oncologists often use CBC tests throughout treatment to closely monitor a patient’s blood counts.