The Egyptian Society for Blood Transfusion Services
Diagnosis of leukemia in children, the diagnosis is based on clinical examination in addition to laboratory tests, as the number and patterns of cells and their appearance under the microscope makes the doctor expect the presence of leukemia.
Very high white blood cells (white blood cells may sometimes be deficient), low red blood cells and thrombocytopenia are usually observed. All these appearances suggest the presence of leukemia.
The diagnosis is only confirmed by bone marrow aspiration or biopsy
Bone marrow aspiration (which is taken from the hip bone) shows the presence of severe proliferation of blasts (cells forming white blood cells) through which the diagnosis is confirmed and the type of leukemia determined.
Several other laboratory tests are sometimes performed, including:
• Examination of liver and kidney functions in preparation for the treatment of leukemia.
• Lumbar puncture, where a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken to determine whether or not cancer cells have reached the brain and spinal cord.
Lymph node biopsy.
• Immunological cellular chemical tests that are conductedto classify bleaching.
• Imaging studies, such as: chest image, computed tomography (CT-scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bone imaging, which are conducted in special cases determined by the doctor.
• Computed tomography (CT scan) to determine the extent of the disease and the infection of the central nervous system