Tests

You usually have a number of tests to diagnose acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). You might also have some of these tests throughout your treatment. 

Blood tests for acute myeloid leukaemia

Find out about having blood tests to diagnose AML and what happens afterwards.

Bone marrow test

This test checks for cancer cells in the bone marrow. Find out what to expect.

Chest x-ray

X-rays use high energy rays to take pictures of the inside of your body.

Lumbar puncture

A lumbar puncture checks whether leukaemia cells have spread to the spinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. Find out more.

Ultrasound scan

You might have an ultrasound to check your lymph nodes, liver and spleen. Read about what happens.

CT scan

Find out what a CT scan is, how you have it and what happens afterwards.

Tissue typing blood tests

You have this tests if your doctor thinks that a donor stem cell marrow transplant might be a possible treatment for you. 

Last reviewed: 
03 Apr 2020
Next review due: 
03 Apr 2023