Tests

Leukaemia is usually diagnosed using blood tests, particularly the full blood count (FBC).

Blood tests will usually show that the likely diagnosis is leukaemia. Further tests are done to find out what type it is and what a person’s general state of health is and how well they are likely to stand up to treatment. These tests include:

• Further blood tests including Liver function tests (LFT) and Urea and Electrolytes (U+E) to check liver and kidney function.
• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
• Lumbar puncture to see if the brain or spinal cord is affected by leukaemia
• Chest X-ray
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
• Ultrasound scan – especially of the abdomen to see if the spleen is enlarged or involved in leukaemia
• Bone scan

Amended February 2009