A technologist is reviewing a blood smear of an AML patient.She notices single azurophilic needle-like inclusions in the cytoplasm of many of the circulating blasts.What is the most probable identification of the inclusion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Auer rods are needle-like inclusions seen in the cytoplasm of myeloblasts, which are characteristic of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). They are composed of fused primary granules from abnormal granulocytic precursors. Therefore, the observation of such inclusions in the blood smear of an AML patient indicates the presence of the disease.

A Technologist Is Reviewing a Blood Smear of an AML