Laboratory diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia

The modern characterization of acute myeloid leukaemia is a multidisciplinary process. It requires the integration of clinical information, morphology, cytochemistry, immunophenotyping, cytogenetic and molecular genetic diagnostic techniques. It is only by bringing all these modalities together that a clear picture of the disease can be presented. This initial work-up provides essential prognostic information of benefit to the patient. The selection of treatment and the monitoring of treatment response are dependent on the findings at the time of diagnosis.