Leukemia Cytochemistry Panel Test Cost & Procedure

Cytochemistry. Cells are subjected to chemical stains (dyes) for cytochemistry testing, but only certain types of leukemia cells will respond to them. Under a microscope, these stains alter the color of the tissue, which the doctor can use to identify the different cell types that are there.

Types of samples

samples used in AML testing

Cell samples from your blood and bone marrow must be examined to confirm if the doctor suspects you may have leukemia. To aid in therapy planning, additional tissue and cell samples may also be obtained.

Samples Of Blood

The initial tests used to check for leukemia are typically blood tests. Blood is drawn from an arm vein.

Skeletal Marrow Samples

Checking the bone marrow for leukemia cells is a crucial component of the leukemia testing process since leukemia begins in the bone marrow. Two tests, which are typically conducted concurrently, yield samples of bone marrow:

• removing bone marrow
• a bone marrow biopsy

Lab tests used to diagnose and classify AML

following lab tests may be performed on the samples.

Complete blood analysis and a peripheral blood smear

The complete blood count (CBC) examination specifies the amounts of various blood cells, containing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A differential, often known as a "diff," is frequently performed in addition to a complete blood count (or CBC), which counts various types of white blood cells. Leukemia is frequently diagnosed using changes in the quantity and character of certain blood cell types.

Testing for blood chemistry and coagulation

These examinations assess grades of detailed compounds in the blood as well as the blood's clotting ability. These tests are not used to identify leukemia, but they can aid in identifying conditions affecting the liver or kidneys, aberrant concentrations of a few minerals in the blood, or issues with blood clotting.

Routine cell exams by microscope

An expert in laboratory tests known as a pathologist examines samples of blood, bone marrow, or CSF under a microscope. The patient's hematologist/oncologist may also analyze the results.

Cytochemistry

Cells are subjected to chemical stains (dyes) for cytochemistry testing, but only certain types of leukemia cells will respond to them. Under a microscope, these stains alter the color of the tissue, which the doctor can use to identify the different cell types that are there. One dye, for instance, can assist in separating acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) cells from AML cells. Under a microscope, the stain makes the granules of the majority of AML cells appear as black dots, but it does not make ALL cells change color.