Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) symptoms and tests
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) further tests
Once you’ve had the results of your diagnostic tests back from the laboratory, you and your healthcare team will have lots of information about your condition.
But before and after diagnosis, you might have some other tests. These tests will give your doctors additional information, and help to measure your medical fitness – which may influence decisions about your treatment.
Blood clotting system tests
If your doctors suspect you may have AML, you’ll have your blood clotting system tested. You need this test because the leukaemia cells may change how your clotting system works, which can affect your body’s ability to properly stop bleeding and bruising. This will be one of the first basic tests carried out when you’re first admitted to hospital. If the tests show that your clotting system isn’t acting normally, you might have acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL).
If you’re diagnosed with APL, your treatment will be different from the treatment for AML.
Information for young adults
For young adults with leukaemia, lymphoma or any blood cancer type. Your guide to treatment, side effects, coping with emotions, friends and work or study.
General health tests and infection screening
When you’re diagnosed with AML, you’ll have a general health assessment. This will help work out if you’ll be particularly vulnerable to side effects from treatment.
You’ll have a range of tests to check your general health, including your heart, liver and kidney function, and tests for HIV, and hepatitis B and C.
Your healthcare team will talk to you about what the results of these tests mean for your treatment.