There are several tests that can be done to help diagnose a patient with leukemia. The following three methods are the most common:
1. Physical examination - often used to check for lumps, abnormalities, or certain symptoms of leukemia that may be present in a patient. This test usually includes a thorough review of patient medical history, family history and risk factors that may be specific to the patient. After the review is complete, it is common blood tests to follow.
2. Blood tests - such as CBC (complete blood count) Testing for leukemia by determining the number of both red and white blood cells and platelets (small cells, round, thin the blood that help blood to stop derived from a section become thick and sticky), the number of red blood cells comprising the blood sample, and the amount of hemoglobin that is in the blood.