Blood tests of potential value in the diagnostic workup of suspected MDS
| CBC, including WBC full differential count, red blood cell indices, and reticulocyte count; multiple measurements over time to document persistence/progression of any cytopenia is helpful |
| RBC-folate/S-folic acid, cobalamin, iron, total iron binding capacity, ferritin, copper, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, haptoglobin, direct antiglobulin test (Coombs test), CRP, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, S-protein electrophoresis (S-immunoglobulins), thyroid function tests, and hemoglobin electrophoresis |
| Serologic testing to rule out HIV, parvovirus B19 (hypoplastic MDS), cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infections (immunosuppressed patients may require PCR testing for viral infections) |
| Somatic mutation (and CNV) analysis might be considered to identify clonal hematopoiesis and to inform selection of patient candidates for bone marrow examination |
| Germ line mutation analysis should be considered in a patient where a suspicion about an inherited bone marrow failure has been raised |
| CBC, including WBC full differential count, red blood cell indices, and reticulocyte count; multiple measurements over time to document persistence/progression of any cytopenia is helpful |
| RBC-folate/S-folic acid, cobalamin, iron, total iron binding capacity, ferritin, copper, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, haptoglobin, direct antiglobulin test (Coombs test), CRP, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, S-protein electrophoresis (S-immunoglobulins), thyroid function tests, and hemoglobin electrophoresis |
| Serologic testing to rule out HIV, parvovirus B19 (hypoplastic MDS), cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infections (immunosuppressed patients may require PCR testing for viral infections) |
| Somatic mutation (and CNV) analysis might be considered to identify clonal hematopoiesis and to inform selection of patient candidates for bone marrow examination |
| Germ line mutation analysis should be considered in a patient where a suspicion about an inherited bone marrow failure has been raised |
CBC, complete blood count; CNV, copy number variation; CRP, C-reactive protein; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; RBC, red blood cell; WBC, white blood cell.