Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

The confirmation of CML requires the demonstration of the Philadelphia chromosome or BCR-ABL mutation which can be done via a blood test or a bone marrow test. 

A bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy is usually required not only to aid in diagnosis but also to help stage the disease into either the chronic, accelerated or blast phase based on the percentage of very immature blood cells called blast.