Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Testing and Diagnosis

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There is no routine screening test for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Most people are diagnosed after seeing a health care provider because of symptoms or abnormal blood test results.

At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, our specialists use advanced laboratory testing to diagnose AML. These tests are used to identify the subtype and genetic changes involved and develop a personalized treatment plan for you.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Care Tailored to You

You and your family are our top priority. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care — personalized to you. You'll have access to the latest treatment options, clinical trials and supportive care services.

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How AML is Diagnosed

Medical History and Physical Exam

Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history and overall health. During a physical exam, they will look for signs. Examples of signs include infection, bleeding, enlarged lymph nodes or an enlarged liver or spleen.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are often the first step in diagnosing AML. These tests may include:

  • Blood chemistry tests
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Peripheral blood smear

Blood tests can show abnormal numbers of blood cells and may detect leukemia cells in the bloodstream.

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are usually needed to confirm an AML diagnosis. During this procedure, a small amount of liquid bone marrow and a tiny sample of bone are removed. These samples are sent to a lab to determine whether leukemia cells are present.

Specialized Laboratory Testing

If AML is diagnosed, additional tests help identify the specific subtype of leukemia. They can also determine if there are genetic changes in the leukemia cells.

These tests may include:

  • Cytogenetic testing
  • Molecular testing
  • Flow cytometry
  • Genetic and biomarker testing

These results help your care team select the best treatment options for you.

Confirming Your AML Diagnosis

To confirm your AML diagnosis, an experienced Fred Hutch hematopathologist looks carefully at your pathology slides. They look at the type of cells and how the cells behave (morphology). They may use methods such as flow cytometry, molecular testing, cytogenetic testing and next-generation sequencing (testing the cancer cells for gene changes that we can target with treatment).

Our hematopathologists may run more tests on your tissue sample to confirm your diagnosis or get more details about your disease. At your first appointment with us, your physician will go over your diagnosis and test results with you.

Sloan Clinic
Patients with AML are seen at Fred Hutch Sloan Clinic (pictured), UW Medical Center – Montlake, or both locations.

Fred Hutch Expertise in AML Diagnosis

To provide the right treatment for you, we will begin by checking details about your disease. We have hematopathologists who specialize in looking at samples of your blood and bone marrow with a microscope. They can tell which subtype you have by carefully studying these tissues and are very experienced in identifying AML subtypes.

Understanding your subtype helps your physician predict how your disease might evolve and which treatments are most likely to work for you. For example, some subtypes respond to certain medicines but not others.