Promyelocytes are immature white blood cells and testing for them is crucial for diagnosing and managing certain blood disorders, especially acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In APL, the bone marrow produces an excessive number of promyelocytes, which can crowd out normal blood cells, leading to serious bleeding and clotting problems.
By identifying and counting promyelocytes in a blood sample or bone marrow biopsy, doctors can confirm a diagnosis of APL. This test is vital because APL requires immediate, specific treatment to prevent life-threatening complications. The presence of promyelocytes can also help monitor the effectiveness of treatment, as decreasing numbers generally indicate a positive response to therapy.
Moreover, since other types of leukemia and blood disorders can also affect white blood cell levels and maturity, distinguishing APL through promyelocyte counts aids in choosing the most effective treatment strategy, enhancing the chances of a successful outcome. Testing for promyelocytes is therefore a key step in the early diagnosis and tailored management of patients suspected of having this aggressive form of leukemia.
Search for clues in your blood as to why you may be feeling unusually tired or fatigued with this targeted profile.
Including a full blood count, vitamin D, inflammation, iron, ferritin and thyroid function.
Abnormalities in any of these health indicators can cause fatigue.
This profile requires a phlebotomy sample.