blood disorders
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Diagnosis of CLL
Blood tests Sometimes CLL is discovered accidentally when blood counts ordered for some other reason show an increased number of lymphocytes. Specialized blood tests (called flow cytometry and immunophenotyping) to characterize the abnormal lymphocytes can be done on the cells in the blood. Blood tests also may show that the numbers of red blood cells, platelets, and antibodies are low. A Bone Marrow Examination is not necessary for the diagnosis of CLL but, if done, often shows an increased number of lymphocytes. 