Question 1

What is Leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, causing the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. It occurs when bone marrow produces dysfunctional white blood cells that cannot fight infection properly and crowd out healthy blood cells. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the most important test for leukemia diagnosis because it detects abnormally high white blood cell counts, blast cells, and myelocytes in the blood.

Question 2

What causes leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Leukemia is caused by genetic mutations in bone marrow cells that lead to uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells. These mutations can occur spontaneously or be triggered by factors like radiation exposure, certain chemicals like benzene, previous chemotherapy treatment, genetic disorders like Down syndrome, and some viral infections. The abnormal cells multiply rapidly, crowd out healthy blood cells, and cannot perform normal infection-fighting functions, leading to increased susceptibility to infections, anemia, and bleeding problems.

Question 3

What is the best test for leukemia?

Accepted Answer

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential is the most important test for leukemia because it detects the hallmark signs including abnormally high or low white blood cell counts, the presence of blast cells (immature white blood cells), and myelocytes in the blood. This test provides critical information about all blood cell types including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. For specific leukemia types, additional tests like the White Blood Cell Count (WBC) help measure exact white cell levels, while the Myeloperoxidase test identifies acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and the Lymphocyte Subset Panel distinguishes lymphocytic leukemia subtypes. These specialized markers help classify the exact type of leukemia and guide personalized treatment plans.

Question 4

When should I get tested for leukemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest, frequent infections or fevers, unexplained bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpits, night sweats, or unintentional weight loss. Early detection through blood testing is crucial because leukemia symptoms often develop gradually and can mimic less serious conditions. Getting tested promptly when you notice these warning signs allows for earlier intervention and significantly improves treatment outcomes, especially since leukemia progresses differently depending on the type.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Leukemia symptoms include extreme fatigue and weakness, frequent infections due to abnormal white blood cells that cannot fight disease, easy bruising and bleeding from low platelet counts, petechiae (tiny red spots under the skin), swollen lymph nodes especially in the neck and armpits, bone and joint pain, fever and night sweats, unintentional weight loss, and enlarged liver or spleen causing abdominal discomfort. Some people also experience shortness of breath, pale skin from anemia, and headaches. Symptoms vary depending on whether the leukemia is acute (developing rapidly) or chronic (developing slowly over months or years).

Question 6

Who is at risk for leukemia?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for leukemia include those with previous cancer treatment involving chemotherapy or radiation therapy, individuals exposed to high levels of radiation or chemicals like benzene, people with genetic disorders such as Down syndrome or Li-Fraumeni syndrome, those with a family history of leukemia, and individuals with certain blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndromes. Smoking increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia. Age is also a factor, with some types more common in children (acute lymphocytic leukemia) and others more common in adults over 55 (chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia). However, many people diagnosed with leukemia have no known risk factors.

Question 7

What happens if leukemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated leukemia leads to life-threatening complications as abnormal white blood cells continue to multiply and crowd out healthy blood cells. You can develop severe anemia causing extreme fatigue and shortness of breath, dangerous bleeding from critically low platelet counts, and life-threatening infections because your immune system cannot function properly. The cancer can spread to lymph nodes, liver, spleen, brain, and spinal cord, causing organ damage and neurological symptoms. Acute leukemia progresses rapidly within weeks to months and can be fatal without treatment, while chronic leukemia may progress more slowly but eventually leads to the same severe complications. Early treatment dramatically improves survival rates and quality of life.

Question 8

Can leukemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, leukemia can be detected through blood tests, with the Complete Blood Count (CBC) being the primary diagnostic tool. This test reveals abnormally high or low white blood cell counts, the presence of blast cells (immature white blood cells), and abnormal levels of red blood cells and platelets. Blood tests can identify specific leukemia markers like myeloperoxidase for acute myeloid leukemia and lymphocyte abnormalities for lymphocytic leukemia. While blood tests are essential for diagnosis and provide strong evidence of leukemia, a bone marrow biopsy is typically needed to confirm the diagnosis, determine the specific subtype, and guide treatment decisions.

Question 9

How is leukemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Leukemia treatment depends on the type, stage, and your overall health, but typically includes chemotherapy as the primary treatment to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Targeted therapy drugs attack specific abnormalities in cancer cells with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognize and destroy leukemia cells. Radiation therapy may be used for certain types or if the cancer has spread to the brain. Stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant) can replace diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, potentially curing some types of leukemia. Treatment plans are personalized and may combine multiple approaches, with regular blood tests monitoring your response to therapy.

Question 10

How can I prevent leukemia?

Accepted Answer

While most leukemia cases cannot be prevented because the cause is unknown, you can reduce your risk by avoiding tobacco smoke, which increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia, limiting exposure to benzene and other industrial chemicals by following workplace safety guidelines, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. If you received previous cancer treatment, attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor for secondary cancers. For those with genetic risk factors or family history, genetic counseling and regular screening can enable early detection when treatment is most effective.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support leukemia treatment?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot treat leukemia, you can support your body during treatment by eating a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of protein to help rebuild healthy cells, staying well-hydrated to help your body process medications and flush toxins, getting adequate rest to support your immune system, practicing good hygiene to prevent infections since your immune system is compromised, and avoiding raw or undercooked foods that may carry bacteria. Gentle exercise like walking can help maintain strength and reduce fatigue. Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or support groups improves quality of life. Always consult your healthcare team before taking supplements or making dietary changes, as some can interfere with cancer treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Leukemia Blood Test

What is Leukemia?

What causes leukemia?

What is the best test for leukemia?

When should I get tested for leukemia?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask AI