Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal myeloid cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells.
Cell counters, or hematology analyzers, are automated laboratory instruments used to count and classify blood cells. They play a crucial role in the diagnosis and monitoring of AML by performing the Complete Blood Count (CBC). The CBC measures different components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Often with a high percentage of immature white blood cells called blasts.
Causes fatigue and weakness.
Increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Cell counters can differentiate between the different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils).
In AML, the differential count typically shows a high percentage of blasts and a reduced number of normal mature white blood cells.
Modern hematology analyzers incorporate software that flag the presence of abnormal cell populations, such as blasts, which are characteristic of leukemia.
These flags alert laboratory personnel to further investigate the sample by manually reviewing a blood smear under a microscope.
During and after treatment for AML, cell counters help to monitor the patient's blood counts and assess the response to therapy.
A decrease in blast cells and recovery of normal blood cell counts can indicate remission.
Cell counters can help detect a relapse of AML by identifying the reappearance of blast cells in the blood.
Cell counters are screening tools:
While cell counters provide valuable information, they do not diagnose alone. The diagnosis of AML requires a comprehensive evaluation, including a bone marrow examination to confirm the presence of leukemia cells and further characterization through cytogenetic and molecular studies.
Manual review is essential:
Abnormal results or flags from a cell counter always require a manual review of a blood smear by a trained hematologist or laboratory professional for accurate identification and classification of cells.
Offering different models with varying capabilities of cell counting, differentiation, and flagging of abnormal cells, assisting hematologists in managing blood-related Hematolymphoid disorders.
In our monthly series, you can access selected clinical cases analyzed by HORIBA Yumizen analyzers used in real labs. Each case will present the interpretation of Yumizen flags, alarms, histograms, and matrices for specific diseases, including AML. ► Chase the Case
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