Acute Myeloid Leukemia ( AML ) Panel - By Flow Cytometry

Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or AML, is a type of blood cancer that occurs in bone marrow. The cancer causes proliferation (rapid and abnormal growth) of myeloid cells, a group of white blood cells (WBCs).

Normally, myeloid cells develop into different other types of blood cells. However, in AML, myeloid cells don’t grow the way they are supposed to. The immature cells, referred to as blasts, spread from bone marrow to to bloodstream and other body parts such as the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, CNS, etc.

Over time, AML gives rise to symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headaches
• More infections than usual
• Swollen gums
• Weight loss 
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Tiny red spots on the skin 
• Swollen liver or spleen

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should immediately visit a doctor. Early detection of AML is vital for the timely treatment and survival. In case, the doctor suspects AML, he or she will ask you to undergo an Acute Myeloid Leukemia Panel. The panel involves investigation of a tiny sample of your bone marrow to determine the presence of AML. The AML Panel uses flow cytometry to determine abnormalities in your bone marrow samples efficiently.

The extraction of the marrow is a two-part process. First, you will be made to lay on your side, and a bone marrow sample will be extracted with the help of a long thin needle. This is called bone marrow aspiration. Secondly, a longer needle is leveraged, and a small chunk of the marrow is removed by pushing and twisting a much larger needle. This is known as bone marrow biopsy. These samples from Acute Myeloid Leukemia Panel are then treated like antibodies and are tasked with sticking to a specific kind of protein in your bloodstream.

This sample is then poured into the flow cytometer instrument and suspended in a fluid. The instrument can study the cell cycle and is able to tell if the cells are normal or not. This machine will then reveal if there is a presence of tumors or abnormalities in the given sample. Hence, it can be used in an Acute Myeloid Leukemia Test to determine the possibility of AML.

When it comes to treatment, you have to move fast post detection. Here are some methods you can leverage to fight AML:

• Radiation
• Chemotherapy 
• Targeted therapy 
• Stem cell transplant, etc.

After you check out the AML panel cost at Apollo 24|7, book your slot forsample collection. The test package includes an AML panel test which takes less than 8 days for report generation.

Here are some of the top reasons you must opt for an Acute Myeloid Leukemia Panel now:

• Detection of the rapidly-progressing AML in its early stages. 
• Flow cytometry yields accurate results. 

Frequently asked questions

What aspects of an Acute Myeloid Leukemia Test sample does flow cytometry measure?

Flow cytometry is capable of conducting a comprehensive analysis of the sample cells across the following parameters: Cell granularity Cell size  DNA gene expression Transient signal Total DNA Intracellular proteins, etc.

What are the various other methods you can leverage to detect AML?

Other than flow cytometry, your physician will suggest the following methods of quick detection of AML: Complete blood count and peripheral blood smear Routine cell exams by microscope Blood chemistry and coagulation tests Cytochemistry Immunohistochemistry Chromosome Tests, etc.

What are the causes of AML?

The various causes of AML are as follows: Smoking  Coming in contact with chemicals such as pesticides, cleaning products, paint strippers, Benzene, etc.  Radiation exposure  Myeloproliferative disorders Chemotherapy drugs like melphalan, doxorubicin, etc.  A family member with AML

What are the various symptoms of AML?

The various symptoms shown by an AML patient are as follows: Fever Fatigue  Swollen gums  Headache Swollen liver  High infection rate  Weight loss Bleeding or bruising

What are some other applications of flow cytometry?

Some of the other flow cytometry applications include Protein post translational modifications, cell health status checkups, cell cycle checkups, etc.