Chronic lymphocytic leukemia laboratory tests

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Haytham Allaham, M.D. [2]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia include abnormal complete blood count, immunohistochemistry, and electrophoresis. Monoclonality of kappa and lambda producing B cells is a key diagnostic feature among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.^[1][2]

Laboratory Findings[edit | edit source]

Complete Blood Count[edit | edit source]

• Absolute lymphocytosis (>5000 cells/μl)^[1][2]
• Decreased hemoglobin concentration
• Decreased platelets count

Blood Smear[edit | edit source]

• Presence of smudge cells^[1][2]

Metabolic Panel[edit | edit source]

• Elevated low-density lipoprotein level^[1][2]

Quantitative Immunoglobulin Assay[edit | edit source]

• Quantitative measurement of IgA, IgG, and IgM immunoglobulins to detect hypogammaglobulinemia^[1][2]
• Elevated β2-microglobulin level

Electrophoresis[edit | edit source]

• Monoclonality of kappa and lambda producing B cells is a key diagnostic feature among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.^[1][2]

Immunohistochemistry[edit | edit source]

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells typically express CD19, CD20, CD23, and CD5 on the cell surface.^[1][2]

References[edit | edit source]