Cancerbackup: Further tests

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Further tests for chronic myeloid leukaemia

Your doctor may ask you to have further tests, which may include the following:

Chest x-ray

This is taken to check that your heart and lungs are healthy.

Blood tests

The effectiveness of any treatment can be monitored using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which is a very sensitive test to show whether the Philadelphia chromosome is present or not. Using this type of test any recurrence or change in your leukaemia can be detected and proper treatment planned.

The PCR test can show the leukaemia even when it can't be seen using standard tests, and before any symptoms happen.



Content last reviewed: 01 November 2006
Page last modified: 12 June 2007

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