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Azerbaijan: diagnosis

Leukaemia is not diagnosed from a single test: blood, bone marrow and genetic tests complement each other. This chapter explains how diagnosis usually works in Azerbaijan and which results to ask for.

Last updated: ~2 min read
Diagnosis is refined from blood to bone marrow to genes
Figure 1.Diagnosis is refined from blood to bone marrow to genes.

01Short answer

Diagnosis starts with a full blood count; if there are changes, a bone marrow aspirate (and sometimes a biopsy) is taken. The cells are studied under the microscope and with flow cytometry, cytogenetics (chromosomes), FISH and molecular tests (PCR and others). In Azerbaijan, the main tests are done by the laboratory of the national haematology centre; for some special genetic tests, a sample may be sent to another laboratory or abroad. The results determine the type of leukaemia, the risk group and the treatment plan.

02Simple explanation

The full blood count is the first signal: cell numbers and whether blasts are present.

A bone marrow test confirms the diagnosis and shows the percentage of blasts.

Genetic tests define the leukaemia’s “character” and risk group.

03Scientific explanation

Tests: according to the NCI and the American Cancer Society, acute leukaemia is diagnosed using blood and bone marrow smears, flow cytometry (immunophenotyping), cytogenetics, FISH and molecular tests.

Bone marrow aspiration: according to MedlinePlus, a small amount of liquid marrow is drawn with a needle, usually from the hip bone, under local anaesthetic.

04What happens in the body?

The order of tests

Blood count → bone marrow → flow cytometry → chromosome and genetic tests. Each step refines the last. In acute leukaemia, treatment sometimes starts before all genetic results are in, and the plan is then adjusted.

Flow cytometry

Cells pass through a laser beam and are recognised by the “markers” on their surface. The test shows whether the leukaemia is myeloid or lymphoid, and its subtype.

On a dark navy background, glowing cells passing one by one through a teal laser beam in a glass channel.
Figure 2.Flow cytometry recognises cells with a laser beam.

Samples may be sent elsewhere

For some rare genetic tests or minimal residual disease tests, the sample goes to a specialised laboratory. This can delay the result by days or weeks.

On a dark navy background, a small translucent box of glowing tubes travelling along a golden arc between two laboratories.
Figure 3.Some samples are sent to a specialised laboratory.

05Diagnosis in four steps

From blood to genes.

Blood — Full blood count.1BloodFull blood count.
Bone marrow — Aspirate and microscopy.2Bone marrowAspirate and microscopy.
Genes — Cytogenetics, FISH, molecular tests.3GenesCytogenetics, FISH, molecular tests.
Report — Final diagnosis and risk group.4ReportFinal diagnosis and risk group.
Accurate diagnosisThe leukaemia type is known.
A personal planTreatment matches the risk group.
Complete recordsYou hold copies of the results.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
The order of testsBlood count → bone marrow → flow cytometry → chromosome and genetic tests. Each step refines the last. In acute leukaemia, treatment sometimes starts before all genetic results are in, and the plan is then adjusted.
Flow cytometryCells pass through a laser beam and are recognised by the “markers” on their surface. The test shows whether the leukaemia is myeloid or lymphoid, and its subtype.
Samples may be sent elsewhereFor some rare genetic tests or minimal residual disease tests, the sample goes to a specialised laboratory. This can delay the result by days or weeks.

07Key terms

Aspiration
Drawing liquid bone marrow with a needle.
Flow cytometry
A test identifying cells by surface markers.
FISH
A test showing chromosome changes with fluorescent labels.
PCR
A molecular test detecting gene changes.

08Key points

  • Diagnosis rests on several tests.
  • Bone marrow confirms the diagnosis.
  • Genetics defines the risk group.
  • Some tests are done in another laboratory.
  • Keep copies of all results.

09Frequently asked questions

Is a bone marrow test painful?

A local anaesthetic is used; you may feel pressure and brief pain. Tell your doctor about your worries.

How long do results take?

Blood tests take hours, bone marrow days, genetics sometimes weeks. Ask your doctor for exact timings.

Do tests need repeating abroad?

Usually not. Slides and reports can be sent for a second opinion.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is a bone marrow test painful?

  2. How long do results take?

  3. Do tests need repeating abroad?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  2. American Cancer Society. Tests for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
  3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Bone marrow aspiration
  4. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Flow cytometry
  5. State haematology centre (Baku). Official website (in Azerbaijani)
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Diagnosis
  7. Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. Central medical institutions
  8. News Central Asia (nCa). Scientific and Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health, Ashgabat, 2022
  9. Government of Turkmenistan. Construction of the International Scientific-Clinical Center of Oncology, 2026 (in Russian)
  10. Chronicles of Turkmenistan. A patient asks to be allowed to travel abroad for a bone marrow transplant, 2022 (in Russian)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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