Which test is often used to detect and monitor leukemia?

The test that is often used to detect and monitor leukemia is the bone marrow aspirate and biopsy. This procedure involves taking a sample of bone marrow, usually from the sternum or the hip bone, to examine the types and numbers of blood cells present. Since leukemia is characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, analyzing the bone marrow can provide critical information about the presence of leukemic cells and help in determining the subtype of leukemia.

Additionally, bone marrow biopsy results are pivotal not only for diagnosis but also for monitoring treatment response and disease progression. Other tests, such as a complete blood count, can provide initial clues by showing abnormalities in blood cell counts, but they do not offer the detailed cellular analysis necessary to confirm leukemia. Imaging studies like CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, or X-rays are not typically used for primary diagnosis or monitoring of leukemia, as they are more suited for assessing solid tumors or organ involvement rather than hematological malignancies.