Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Test

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow starts producing a large number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) increases in the bone marrow. It affects the red blood cells, white blood cells, and the platelets. When a person undergoes chemotherapy or is exposed to radiation, the risks of developing ALL increases. ALL affects both, children and adults, and it progresses quickly, it not treated. Blood test and bone marrow tests are conducted to reach a conclusion. The symptoms for ALL includes; Fever , Exhaustion, Bruising easily , Severe weight loss, Constant stomach ache, Joint pain, Painless lumps in neck, underarm, stomach, or groin, Bleeding.

You must let your doctor know about your medical history, allergies, and about all the medications you are currently under. Your doctor might ask you to stop it temporarily for a proper diagnosis. It is important to follow all the instructions given by your doctor.

Usually, severe anemia is detected, after the completion of CBC test. The WBC count is usually high; however, the neutrophils count is almost always low. Due to the increase in the cell death in the patients, lactic dehydrogenase levels may be high. The uric acid levels will also be high. The sample of bone marrow is used to check for cancerous cells and determine the type of cancer.

A CBC (complete blood count) test is first prescribed. In this test, the practitioner will draw a sample of your blood and send it to the laboratory for further analysis. If the results of the blood test are abnormal, bone marrow biopsy is prescribed. In this test, your doctor will remove a sample of your bone marrow using a syringe. This procedure is quite painful and is performed with the help of local anesthetic. Other tests include; cytogenetic testing, CT Scan, and lumbar puncture.