ALL diagnosis

Question 1

How would a medical profession obtain a sample for diagnosis? And where are they getting a sample of cells from?

draw diagram- very optional

Answer 1

• Diagnosis
• Aspiration / Biopsy – Removal of the cells using a jamshidi needle – Trephine (Circular blade) – Iliac crest (pelvis) – Sternum / Tibia (shin)

Sample is taken from bone marrow

Question 2

When assessing the content of a bone smear , under the microscope, what would indicate that the patient has A.L.L?

Answer 2

You will see large numbers of lymphoblast cells • >20% indicates ALL • You may see none of the other cells types

Question 3

When assessing the content of a bone smear what would indicate the patient is healthy?

Answer 3

Healthy • You will see the full range of blast cells • Basophillic erythroblast • Polychromatophilic erythroblast • Small lymphocytes

Question 4

When using a microscope to assess a blood smear what would indicate the patient has A.L.L?

Answer 4

– You will see large numbers of lymphoblast cells – Decreased number mature red cells – Decreased number platelet

Question 5

When assessing a blood smear what would indicate the cells are healthy?

Answer 5

Healthy • You will mainly see erythrocytes • Change in the number of any white cell indicates a potential issue • Usually <1% of total blood cell count are lymphocyte