Question

8) List basic principles of following these diagnostic procedures for leukemia

A. Immunophenotyping

B. Cytogenic analysis

C. Cytochemical stains

D. Bone Marrow Examination

Answer 1

Solution:

Basic principles of following diagnostic procedures for leukemia

A. Immunophenotyping

Immunophenotyping is an analytical technique to study the expression of protein by the cells. The basic principle involves labelling of the white blood cell with specific antibodies that is directed to the specific protein of the cell membrane. By this technique, differentiation of the leukemic cells can be detected by using flow cytometer that typically works based on a laser-source. This instrument is capable of analyzing countless cells within a very short period of time to identify the malignant lymphocytes have begun from B or T lymphocytes.

B. Cytogenic analysis

This technique provides information on changes in chromosomal structure or number by assessing genome-wide snapshot. This technique is based on the process of chromosomal pairing and arranging in an order that can results in identification of the change in chromosome numbers and structural changes by means of chromosomal deletions or any duplication.

C. Cytochemical stains

Cytochemical stains are one of the special stains that is active on peripheral blood smears or bone marrow smears. The broadly classified two stains including cytochemical stains that specifically use cellular enzymatic reactions which results in staining and immunocytochemical stains is based on the identification of cell specific antigen with regard to the specific antibodies.

D. Bone Marrow Examination

Bone marrow examination is used to check the bone marrow whether it is working properly to generate normal amount of blood cells. This test involves two typical steps including aspiration of bone marrow and bone marrow biopsy. A bone marrow aspiration technique is used to remove only marrow sample whereas a bone marrow biopsy is typically used to remove a very low amount of bone that contains marrow in it. The test purpose includes detection of any abnormal chromosomes examined under a microscope.