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How Is It Diagnosed?

How Is It Diagnosed?

December 15, 2021
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Leukemia is first suspected based on abnormal blood tests, including either very high or very low blood counts. Once the level of suspicion is high, leukemia is usually diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy.

 

This is an outpatient procedure during which a needle is inserted through the bone and a sampling of the inside or marrow is removed for further testing, both under the microscope and molecular testing.

 

Key Takeaways

1. Leukemia is first suspected based on abnormal blood tests, including either very high or very low blood counts.

2. Once the level of suspicion is high, leukemia is usually diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy.

3. A bone marrow biopsy is an outpatient procedure during which a needle is inserted through the bone and a sampling of the inside or marrow is removed for further testing.