When first diagnosing acute leukaemia, your GP will check for physical signs of the condition, such as swollen glands, and will arrange for you to have blood tests.

A high number of abnormal white blood cells in the test sample could indicate the presence of acute leukaemia. If your blood test indicates abnormal results, you will be referred to a haematologist (a specialist in treating blood conditions).

Bone marrow biopsy

To confirm a diagnosis of acute leukaemia, the haematologist will take a small sample of your bone marrow to examine under a microscope. This procedure is known as a bone marrow biopsy. A bone marrow biopsy is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic.

The haematologist will numb an area of skin at the back of your hip bone before using a needle to remove a sample of bone marrow. The procedure is usually painless, although you may experience some bruising and discomfort for a few days afterwards. The procedure takes around 15 minutes to complete and you should not have to stay in hospital overnight.

The bone marrow sample will be checked for any cancerous cells. If cancerous cells are present, the biopsy will also be able to determine which type of acute leukaemia is present.

Further tests

There are various additional tests that can be used to help reveal more information about the progress and extent of the leukaemia. They can also provide an insight into how the leukaemia should be treated. These tests are described below.

Cytogenetic testing

Cytogenetic testing involves identifying the genetic make-up of the cancerous cells. There are specific genetic variations that can occur during leukaemia, and knowing what these variations are can have an important impact on treatment.

Lymph node biopsy

If you have been diagnosed with acute leukaemia, further biopsies may be carried out on any enlarged lymph nodes that you have. These will be able to establish how far the leukaemia has spread.

CT scans

If you have acute leukaemia, a computerised tomography scan (CT scan) may be used to check that your organs, such as your heart and lungs, are healthy.

Lumbar puncture

If it is felt that there is a risk that acute leukaemia has spread to your nervous system, a lumbar puncture may be carried out.

A lumbar puncture is a test where a needle is used to extract a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (fluid that surrounds and protects your spine) from your back. The fluid is tested to determine whether leukaemia has reached your nervous system.