A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that can help diagnose acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In AML, the CBC findings often show abnormalities in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
CBC Findings in AML:
- Increased White Blood Cell Count: The total white blood cell count may be elevated, but this can be misleading as the increase is often due to immature and abnormal white blood cells called blasts.
- Blast Cells: The presence of blasts in the peripheral blood is a key finding suggestive of AML. These cells are immature and lack the normal features of mature white blood cells.
- Decreased Red Blood Cell Count: AML can suppress the production of red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Decreased Platelet Count: AML can also affect the production of platelets, causing thrombocytopenia.
Example:
A patient with AML may have a CBC showing:
- White blood cell count: 20,000/µL (normal range: 4,500-11,000/µL)
- Blast cells: 20% (normal range: 0%)
- Red blood cell count: 3.0 million/µL (normal range: 4.5-5.5 million/µL)
- Platelet count: 100,000/µL (normal range: 150,000-450,000/µL)
These findings suggest AML, but further investigation with bone marrow biopsy and other tests is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
