Acute Leukemia Panel - Comprehensive

Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) is a cancer of blood that origins in the bone marrow. It primarily affects the white blood cells produced in the soft inner part of your bones, i.e. bone marrow. The reason behind the disorder is the development of white blood cells (WBCs) from immature lymphocytes.

Since the condition is acute, it is apparent that it quickly escalates from mild to severe. Additionally, this condition is rare in adults but most commonly found in children. This makes it necessary to go for acute leukaemia screening to start early treatment for the disease.

If not taken care of properly, cancer might spread to other organs like the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

However, it is tough to capture these cancers without a proper acute leukaemia test as it does not produce noticeable tumours in the body.

The uncontrolled growth of cells occurs in white blood cells developing from immature lymphocytes, thereby making them dysfunctional.

Apollo 24|7 has a comprehensive panel for acute leukaemia screening, and one must notice the following symptoms before taking the ALL comprehensive test:

• Persistent weakness or tiredness in the body
• Unexplained fever with night sweats
• Bruising and bleeding are common and happen easily 
• Skin petechiae or tiny red dots under the skin that might happen due to superficial bleeding or bruising
• Swelling in the lymph nodes that might seem like painless lumps in the neck, underarms, or groin
• Frequent occurrence of infections in the body 
• Unusual weight loss and poor appetite
• Pain in the bone or stomach 
• Difficulty in breathing after doing minor physical activity

Acute leukaemia screening is quickly done using other tests, including CBC blood tests, physical examination, and coagulation tests. However, the ALL comprehensive test includes a detailed study of the blood component characteristics to confirm or rule out the disease.

Acute leukaemia screening involves flow cytometry tests and immunohistochemistry examinations.

These tests are based on the screening of surface antibodies that act as markers of the disease.

Healthcare practitioners can analyse the samples under the microscope and pass them through a special flow cytometry apparatus.

The ALL comprehensive test also assists in classifying the condition based on the type of surface marker present on the cell. Below is a brief procedure for the cytochemistry analysis:

• Mix the marker for an antibody with a fluorescent probe
• Incubate the mixture with blood or serum sample
• Inject them into the cell sorter that has a fluidics system
• Observe the cells under the optical system that illuminates the cells through fluorescence 
• Analyse the statistical data produced by the electronics system

The overall data is automatically sorted on its own and gives insight into the number of cells that contain the surface markers for acute leukaemia. While it is difficult to count the cells manually, the electronics system accurately analyses the number and confirms a positive or negative result. 
 

Frequently asked questions

Who should go for an acute leukaemia test?

An individual vulnerable to developing the condition must undergo an ALL comprehensive test. Below is a list of people who might be susceptible to the condition: People who are exposed to high levels of radiation that might have crossed the healthy dose Individuals working in an environment that makes them prone to carcinogenic solvents like benzene Anybody who has harmful chronic harmful habits like smoking and alcohol consumption Individuals who are constantly exposed to raw materials for the production of detergents, cleaning products, and paint manufacturing Having genetic mutations that might trigger acute leukaemia People who have white coloured skin and are male

Is ALL comprehensive test the only screening for acute leukaemia?

No. The acute leukaemia test does not include cytochemistry analysis in the first place. The initial tests include physical examination, complete blood tests, microscopic analysis of blood smears, and coagulation tests. After finding a discrepancy in the previous studies, one must opt for an acute leukaemia screening involving flow cytometry analysis.

What do doctors observe in the acute leukaemia screening?

The doctors not only study the statistical or numerical data but also observe the physical appearance of the cells in the optical system. Below are the characteristics based on which a final result is compiled:  Size of the cells Shape of the cells Comparison of the samples with normal white blood cells Surface marker of the cells

Is the ALL comprehensive test a risky procedure?

No. The acute leukaemia screening includes a simple blood test. It does not involve any risk in the procedure and hardly takes 5 minutes.

Do we need any special preparation for the acute leukaemia test?

No. The ALL comprehensive test does not require special preparation such as fasting or periodic sample collection. However, you must inform your doctor if you are taking particular medications.