Recommendations for cerebrospinal fluid examination in acute leukemia
Sandrine Girard1, Odile Fenneteau2, Fanélie Mestrallet1
1Service d'hématologie biologique, Centre de biologie et pathologie Est, LBMMS, Hospices civils de Lyon, France.
Annales De Biologie Clinique
|August 31, 2017
Summary
Diagnosing leukemic meningitis relies on identifying blasts in cerebrospinal fluid. Standardized analysis and CNS therapy guidelines improve outcomes and reduce relapses in acute leukemia patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cytopathology
- Neurology
Background:
- Leukemic meningitis is diagnosed by identifying blasts in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during acute leukemia.
- Effective central nervous system (CNS) therapy, guided by standardized CNS status classification, reduces CSF relapses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish standardized preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical guidelines for CSF analysis in acute leukemia.
- To improve the quality and comparability of CSF analysis results across laboratories.
Main Methods:
- Defining CSF analysis based on red blood cell count, nucleated cell count, and blast presence.
- Implementing standardized technical procedures for CSF sample handling and analysis.
- Setting guidelines for preanalytical (turnaround time), analytical (cytocentrifugation parameters), and postanalytical (conservation duration) phases.
Main Results:
- A standardized classification for CNS status in acute leukemia patients was established in 1993.
- Guidelines were set to ensure comparability of CSF analysis results from different medical laboratories.
Conclusions:
- Standardized CSF analysis and CNS therapy are crucial for diagnosing and managing leukemic meningitis.
- Adherence to established guidelines enhances diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic effectiveness, leading to decreased relapse rates.
