medical tests

Blood tests

A complete blood count (CBC) provides important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, particularly red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC helps your health professional evaluate symptoms (such as weakness, fatigue or bruising), diagnose conditions (such as anemia, infection, and many other disorders) and evaluate response to treatment.

A chemistry screen is a blood test that measures the levels of several parts of the blood and is an indicator of general health, helps identify certain problems and detects effectiveness of treatment for a specific problem.

Bone Marrow Aspirate – Bone Marrow Biopsy

An analysis of bone marrow samples can indicate whether the Philadelphia chromosome or other abnormalities are present. In most cases this procedure does not take very long and is relatively painless. But if you are the sort of person who feels anxious about these types of tests, speak to your doctor. He or she may prescribe a medication to help you relax.

The BMA/BMB may be performed in a hospital or in the specialist’s office. A local anesthetic will be administered, usually in the hip bone area, and you will likely feel a stinging sensation for a few seconds. Once the area is numbed, a needle is inserted to draw out the liquid marrow (aspirate). Another needle may be used to take a sample of the solid bone marrow (biopsy).