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Netherlands: Diagnostics

In the Netherlands, diagnosing leukaemia often starts with a blood test ordered by the GP.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, sample tubes.
Figure 1.Laboratory — Netherlands: Diagnostics

01Short answer

If the blood test shows suspicious changes, the GP refers you urgently to a haematologist. At the hospital, bone-marrow tests, flow cytometry and genetic tests are done; these results define the type of leukaemia and the treatment plan. Results are usually explained in a separate talk with the haematologist; bringing someone close to you helps.

02Simple explanation

Blood test: first step.

Bone marrow: exact diagnosis.

Genetics: for the plan.

03Scientific explanation

Flow cytometry identifies cell surface markers.

Molecular tests find changes that affect treatment choice and outlook.

04What happens in the body?

Laboratory

Blood samples are checked in the hospital laboratory.

Bone marrow

The sample is studied under the microscope and with special tests.

On a dark navy background, cells on a slide.
Figure 2.Bone marrow — Netherlands: Diagnostics

The talk

While hearing results, take notes and ask again.

On a dark navy background, two chairs and a folder.
Figure 3.Results talk — Netherlands: Diagnostics

05Path to a diagnosis

Four steps.

Blood test — At the GP.1Blood testAt the GP.
Referral — Urgent.2ReferralUrgent.
Tests — In hospital.3TestsIn hospital.
The talk — Results.4The talkResults.
PrecisionThe type is known.
PlanNext steps are clear.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
LaboratoryBlood samples are checked in the hospital laboratory.
Bone marrowThe sample is studied under the microscope and with special tests.
The talkWhile hearing results, take notes and ask again.

07Key terms

Bloedonderzoek
Blood test.
Beenmergpunctie
Bone-marrow test.
Flowcytometrie
Flow cytometry.
Uitslag
Result.

08Key points

  • Ask for results in writing.
  • Bring someone close.
  • Write down questions.
  • Ask the name of the type.
  • Know your next appointment.

09Frequently asked questions

How long do results take?

Some tests take days, genetic tests longer; ask your team.

Can I see my results?

Many hospitals have an online patient portal.

Does the test hurt?

Local anaesthetic is used; tell your team about your worries.

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. How long do results take?

  2. Can I see my results?

  3. Does the test hurt?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Kanker.nl (KWF, IKNL, NFK). Official website (in Dutch)
  2. Hematon. Patient organisation for blood cancer (in Dutch)
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Diagnosis
  4. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Bone marrow aspiration
  5. Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (Türkiye). Hasta Hakları Yönetmeliği, Resmî Gazete 01.08.1998, No. 23420 (in Turkish)
  6. CİMER (Presidential Communication Centre, Türkiye). Official website (in Turkish)
  7. GOV.UK (FCDO). Turkey travel advice: health
  8. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: the Netherlands fact sheet
  9. IKNL (Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation). Official website
  10. Government of the Netherlands. Health insurance
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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