American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics certification (ASCP CG) Practice Test

What is the main purpose of establishing a PHA-stimulated blood culture for a leukemia patient?

1. To monitor treatment response

2. To check for chromosomal abnormalities

3. To see if an abnormality is constitutional rather than acquired

4. To identify specific types of leukemia

The correct answer is: To see if an abnormality is constitutional rather than acquired

The main purpose of establishing a PHA-stimulated blood culture for a leukemia patient is primarily to determine if chromosomal abnormalities are constitutional (inheritable) rather than acquired (arising from the disease process itself). This is crucial because the clinical management and prognosis of leukemia can differ significantly based on whether chromosomal changes are present at birth or develop during a person's life. When PHA (phytohemagglutinin) is used in the culture, it stimulates T-lymphocytes to divide, allowing direct observation of metaphase chromosomes. Analyzing these chromosomes can help identify if chromosomal changes are part of a patient's genetic background or if they are specifically related to their leukemia, informing the diagnosis and possible treatment options. While monitoring treatment response and identifying specific types of leukemia are important aspects of cancer care, they are not the primary intention behind the establishment of these cultures. Checking for chromosomal abnormalities is a broader category that encompasses both constitutional and acquired changes but does not specifically address the distinction needed in this context.