How is chronic myelogenous leukemia diagnosed?

Most people are diagnosed with CML through a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) before they have any symptoms. A CBC counts the number of different kinds of cells in the blood. A CBC is often done as part of a regular medical checkup. People with CML have high levels of white blood cells.

What lab values indicate CML?

In CML, the increase in mature granulocytes and normal lymphocyte counts (low percentage due to dilution in the differential count) results in a total WBC count of 20,000-60,000 cells/μL. A mild increase in basophils and eosinophils is present and becomes more prominent during the transition to acute leukemia.

Which diagnostic finding is a hallmark of chronic myelogenous leukemia CML?

The presence of BCR/ABL rearrangement is the hallmark of CML, although this rearrangement has also been described in other diseases. It is considered diagnostic when present in a patient with clinical manifestations of CML.

What is PCR test for CML?

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) PCR can be used to help diagnose CML. It’s also useful after treatment to see if copies of the BCR-ABL gene are still there. If copies of this gene are found it means that the leukemia is still present, even when the cells can’t be seen with a microscope.

What are the CBC results for leukemia?

Complete blood count (CBC): This blood test lets your healthcare provider know if you have abnormal levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. If you have leukemia, you’ll likely have higher than normal counts of white blood cells.

Does CML cause high WBC?

CML can sometimes be found when routine blood tests are done for other reasons, like a routine physical. Test results might show that a person’s white blood cell count is very high, even though they don’t have any symptoms. It’s important to report any symptoms that could be caused by CML to a doctor right away.

Can you have normal WBC with CML?

Rarely, CML patients may present with a normal or mildly elevated WBC and are asymptomatic, and we describe 7 patients in this study. The WBC in these patients ranged from 3.6 to 14.3 K/mm(3) with 50% to 73% granulocytes and 0% blasts.

What is the BCR-ABL test?

A BCR-ABL genetic test looks for a genetic mutation (change) on a specific chromosome. Chromosomes are the parts of your cells that contain your genes. Genes are parts of DNA passed down from your mother and father. They carry information that determines your unique traits, such as height and eye color.

What is RT PCR for BCR-ABL test?

7 RT-PCR is the method of choice in detecting the BCR/ABL fusion gene. It confirms the diagnosis of CML and ALL and is used for therapy stratification in ALL3 as well as for assessment of minimal residual disease and follow-up examinations after allogeneic transplantation.