Cytochemical and Morphological Findings in the Classification of Acute Leukemia

Objective 78 cases of acute leukemia (AL) were diagnosed and classified. Methods The findings of morphology according to FAB criteria with Wright Giemsa staining and cytochemistry included peroxidase (POX), alpha naphthyl acetate esterase (NAE) with sodium fuloride inhibition, periodic acid Schiff reaction (PAS). Results It is important for POX and PAS to distinguish ANLL from ALL, the same granulocyte AL out of monocyte one; and specific for PAS in M 6. The conformity rate of cytochemistry with morphology is 89.4%. The diagnostic rate of AL will reach 93.5% with both cytochemistry and morphology from 74.4% with morphology only. Conclusion Cytochemstry staining should by no means be separated from morphology in the classification of AL and accepted easily with its economy, simple and stability.