Cytomorphology

Microscopic basic diagnostic for hematological, systemic diseases and staging of lymphoma.

Testing material
  • Bone marrow (Citrate/EDTA)
  • Peripheral blood (Citrate/EDTA)
Processing time

2 hours to 1 day

Test material

Between 4 and 6 unstained bone marrow or peripheral blood smears (anticoagulant: EDTA or citrate) are needed for cytomorphology. Bone marrow is usually the test material of choice. Material for cytomorphology can also be submitted in syringes containing EDTA anticoagulant for preparation of the smears, but should arrive at the laboratory within 24 hours if at all possible.

Methodology

Cellularity and different distribution patterns can usually be assessed after careful study of the entire specimen under weak magnification. This is followed by an individual analysis of at least 100 cells from the peripheral blood and at least 200 cells from two representative areas of the bone marrow. More important than simply counting the material is its meticulous study by an experienced investigator based on the criteria of cell density, the ratio of erythropoiesis to granulopoiesis, distribution according to various maturity stages (in particular the blasts), mutations in the cytoplasm and nucleus, the eosinphil, basophil and monocyte count, megakaryocytes (quantitative and qualitative), as well as the distribution and fine structure of lymphocytes, plasma cells and reticulum cells. Moreover, the assessment also includes iron storage and cytochemical reactions (peroxidase and non-specific esterase) for the determination of blasts.

from two representative areas of the bone marrow

Downloads

Request form

Please enclose this completed examination form with your sample shipment. The form represents all diagnostic methods and analyses completely.

Download

Request form hemoglobinopathy

Order for laboratory and molecular genetic testing for hemoglobinopathies.

Download

Patient consent - Research projects

By providing this patient consent, you agree to the use of excess biomaterial for research purposes.

Download

Primary sample collection manual

Detailed information on test material and shipment can be found in our primary sample collection manual.

Download

Information for correct sampling of buccal swap and nail material

Here you will find information on the correct sampling of germline material.

Download

FAQs - questions and answers

If you have questions about placing an order, diagnostics or reports, you will find the right answers in our FAQs on the Service site.

to our FAQs

You may also be interested in

Career

As a rapidly growing, innovative medical laboratory, we are always looking for bright minds to help us bring new and more effective therapies to patients around the world.

Learn more

Services

Do you have questions about sample submission, analyses performed or findings? Here you will find contact details, contact persons and our most frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Learn more

Quality management

We have been certified according to national and international standards since 2009 and have successfully maintained these accreditations.

Learn more

Your contact person

»Close cooperation between clinician and laboratory leads to quick and precise diagnosis for the patient.«

Dr. med. Christian Pohlkamp

Internist, Hematologist and Oncologist
Head of Cytomorphology
Head of Customer Care

T: +49 89 99017-150