Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction is a sophisticated DNA replication technique which helps in detecting changes in the structure and function of genes. Acute promyelocytic leukemia, subtype M3, is diagnosed by this test. 

Imaging tests such as MRI, CT scan, or an ultrasound, which create detailed images of the body, can be used to learn about the cause producing the symptoms and to help diagnose infections in people with AML. These tests are usually done in specific cases to determine whether the leukemia has spread to other parts of the body.

Flow cytometry helps in finding out the type of cells in a bone marrow or a blood sample. The sample is at first treated with antibodies which attach themselves to specific substances on the surface of the cell. When these cells are passed through a laser beam, they give out light. After proper analysis and sorting of the cells, doctors are able to find out whether an increased white blood cell count is due to a reactive process such as responding to an infection or due to cancer. The type of cell can be identified by suitably examining the antigens on the cell surface. Immunophenotyping can also help in distinguishing AML from the other types of leukemia. 

In this test, changes in the chromosomes are identified by examining the blood and bone marrow samples under a microscope. Cells can demonstrate abnormal behavior due to a number of reasons such as deletion or translocation. The chromosomal pattern in a particular patient often predicts the response of the disease to standard therapy. If the chromosomal pattern predicts a poor response, the doctor might advice investigative therapy.

After confirming a case of acute myeloid leukemia, your doctor may suggest further tests to determine the extent of cancer and to classify it into a specific AML subtype. The subtypes are based on factors such as the type of leukemia cells, the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis, extent of difference between the cancerous, and the normal cells and specific changes in the DNA of cancerous cells. Determination of AML subtype helps in planning suitable treatment and also in studying the appropriate treatment for a particular AML subtype. 

Abbott’s Vysis EGR FISH Probe Kit has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for oncology applications. This in-vitro diagnostic test helps in determining the prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The test is done to detect a chromosomal deletion in the bone marrow which is typically associated with an unfavorable prognosis for people with acute myeloid leukemia. The utility of FISH technology lies in separating AML patients into different risk groups according to their chromosomal status.The Probe Kit can identify patients with chromosomal abnormalities and helps the doctor assess the patient’s overall prognosis.

In certain cases, it might be required to remove some of the fluid around the spinal cord in order to check for leukemia cells. A needle is advanced into the spinal canal in the lower back and a small amount of spinal fluid is withdrawn. The sample is then tested for abnormal blood cells in order to determine whether the cancer has spread to the spinal fluid.  

Bone marrow tests are usually done after the blood tests to confirm the diagnosis and to identify the type of leukemia the patient has. The bone marrow aspiration and biopsy is done by a hematologist or an oncologist. A needle is inserted into a large bone such as the hip or the back pelvis and a small amount of bone marrow along with a piece of the spongy tissue inside the bone is withdrawn. The procedure takes around 20 minutes. The sample is then examined under a microscope. 

After a physical examination of swelling in the liver, spleen, neck, groin, and lymph nodes, your doctor might recommend a complete blood count (CBC) test. The CBC test measures the amount of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood. In this test a sample of blood is examined under the microscope to determine the number of mature cells as well as the immature leukemia cells. People with acute myeloid leukemia have too many white blood cells and less red blood cells and platelets. The presence of blast cells in bone marrow is another indicator of acute myeloid leukemia.