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Türkiye: Diagnostics

An accurate diagnosis is the basis of the right treatment. This chapter explains which tests are used to diagnose leukaemia in Türkiye.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a bone marrow smear under a microscope lens.
Figure 1.A bone marrow test confirms the diagnosis.

01Short answer

Diagnosis usually starts with a full blood count and a blood smear. The haematology department then performs a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Samples are examined by flow cytometry (which identifies the cell type), cytogenetics and molecular tests (for example FLT3, NPM1, BCR-ABL1). Large university and training-and-research hospitals in Türkiye do many of these tests in their own laboratories. The results determine the type of treatment and the risk group.

02Simple explanation

Blood test: the first step.

Bone marrow: confirms the diagnosis.

Genetics: risk and treatment choice.

03Scientific explanation

Tests: according to the ACS, AML is diagnosed with blood counts, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, flow cytometry, cytogenetics and molecular tests.

Flow cytometry: according to MedlinePlus, this test measures markers on the cell surface to identify the type of leukaemia.

04What happens in the body?

Bone marrow test

Usually taken from the hip bone under local anaesthetic. It is short; mild soreness may last a few days.

Laboratory tests

Flow cytometry shows the cell type, cytogenetics shows chromosome changes, and molecular tests show gene mutations.

On a dark navy background, cells passing through a laser beam.
Figure 2.Flow cytometry shows the cell type.

Explaining the results

The doctor explains the type, risk group and treatment plan. Results take from a few days to two or three weeks.

On a dark navy background, glowing chromosome pairs.
Figure 3.Genetic tests define risk.

05Diagnosis in four steps

From blood to genetics.

Blood — Full blood count.1BloodFull blood count.
Bone marrow — Aspiration and biopsy.2Bone marrowAspiration and biopsy.
Laboratory — Flow, cytogenetics, molecular.3LaboratoryFlow, cytogenetics, molecular.
Result — Type and risk group.4ResultType and risk group.
PrecisionThe type is known.
PlanTreatment fits.
MonitoringA baseline for comparison.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Bone marrow testUsually taken from the hip bone under local anaesthetic. It is short; mild soreness may last a few days.
Laboratory testsFlow cytometry shows the cell type, cytogenetics shows chromosome changes, and molecular tests show gene mutations.
Explaining the resultsThe doctor explains the type, risk group and treatment plan. Results take from a few days to two or three weeks.

07Key terms

Kemik iliği aspirasyonu
Bone marrow aspiration.
Akım sitometri
Flow cytometry.
Sitogenetik
Chromosome analysis.
Moleküler test
Gene mutation test.

08Key points

  • Blood test first.
  • Bone marrow confirms.
  • Genetics shows risk.
  • Keep copies of results.
  • Write questions down.

09Frequently asked questions

Is a bone marrow test painful?

Local anaesthetic is used; brief pressure and pain are possible.

When will results be ready?

Some within days; genetic tests take longer.

Are tests done abroad accepted?

Often yes, but the centre may repeat some.

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. When will results be ready?

  3. Are tests done abroad accepted?

My questions

12Sources

  1. American Cancer Society. Tests for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
  2. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Bone marrow aspiration
  3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Flow cytometry
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  5. Ministry of Health of Türkiye. e-Nabız personal health record
  6. KWF Kankerbestrijding. Official website (in Dutch)
  7. GOV.UK (FCDO). Netherlands travel advice: getting help
  8. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: United Kingdom fact sheet
  9. American Cancer Society. Leukemia
  10. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Seeking a Second Opinion
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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