blood disorders
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Diagnosis of ALL
Blood tests Bone marrow examination Blood tests, such as a Complete blood count , can provide the first evidence of ALL. The total number of white blood cells may be decreased, normal, or increased, but the number of red blood cells and the number of platelets are almost always decreased. In addition, very immature white blood cells (blasts) are present in the blood. A Bone Marrow Examination is almost always done to confirm the diagnosis and to distinguish ALL from other types of leukemia. Blasts are tested for chromosome abnormalities, which helps doctors determine the exact type of the leukemia and what drugs to use to treat it. Blood and urine tests are done to detect other abnormalities, including whether leukemia cells have affected other organs. Imaging tests may also be needed. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is done if the person has symptoms that suggest leukemia cells in the brain. CT of the chest may be done to check for leukemia cells in the area around the lungs. CT, MRI, or ultrasonography of the abdomen may be done when internal organs are enlarged. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) may be done before starting chemotherapy because chemotherapy sometimes affects the heart. 