Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) Diagnosis

Diagnosis for Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is CBC, flow cytometry or immunophenotyping, Analyze lymphocytes, Bone marrow biopsy.

CBC: Count the number of cells in a blood sample. A complete blood count may be used to count the number of lymphocytes in a blood sample. A high number of B cells, one type of lymphocyte, may indicate chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Flow cytometry or immunophenotyping. Determine the type of lymphocytes involved, helps determine whether an increased number of lymphocytes is due to chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a different blood disorder or your body's reaction to another process, such as infection. If chronic lymphocytic leukemia is present, flow cytometry may also help analyze the leukemia cells for characteristics that help predict how aggressive the cells are.

Analyze lymphocytes for genetic abnormalities. A test called fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) examines the chromosomes inside the abnormal lymphocytes to look for abnormalities. Doctors sometimes use this information to determine your prognosis and help choose a treatment.

Other tests include Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration ; Computerized tomography (CT).