A laboratory professional is reviewing a peripheral blood smear of a 10-year-old patient and notes that 35% blasts are present. Which of the following diagnoses is likely based on these findings?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of 35% blasts in a peripheral blood smear suggests acute leukemia, as blasts are immature white blood cells characteristic of leukemia. Myelodysplastic syndrome may also have blasts present, but they typically make up less than 20% of the cells. Chronic myeloid leukemia typically has a more mature cell population with less than 10% blasts. Aplastic anemia would show a decrease in all blood cell types, not an increase in blasts.

A Laboratory Professional Is Reviewing a Peripheral Blood Smear of a 10-Year-Old