question-icon

Can A Normal CBC Result Rule Out Leukemia

default
Posted on Mon, 24 Dec 2018
Question: Can a normal CBC result rule out Leukemia
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
normally yes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

welcome to the 'Ask a Doctor' service.

Leukemia causes the production of abnormal cells. These cells can be detected in a peripheral blood smear and the counts may become abnormal as well. For example in chronic leukemias we expect the counts to rise. Acute leukemias may present with very low counts and there may be abnormal cells (immature forms or blast cells) in the smear.

A normal result is very much against leukemia although it may occur sometimes - for example in a patient who's under treatment.

I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3818 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Doctor Now
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Can A Normal CBC Result Rule Out Leukemia

Brief Answer: normally yes Detailed Answer: Hello, welcome to the 'Ask a Doctor' service. Leukemia causes the production of abnormal cells. These cells can be detected in a peripheral blood smear and the counts may become abnormal as well. For example in chronic leukemias we expect the counts to rise. Acute leukemias may present with very low counts and there may be abnormal cells (immature forms or blast cells) in the smear. A normal result is very much against leukemia although it may occur sometimes - for example in a patient who's under treatment. I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance. Kind Regards!