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

Why is it important to establish both stimulated and unstimulated blood cultures in leukemia patients?

1. To ensure proper treatment is administered

2. To rule out external factors affecting results

3. To differentiate between constitutional and acquired abnormalities

4. To evaluate the aggressiveness of the disease

The correct answer is: To differentiate between constitutional and acquired abnormalities

Establishing both stimulated and unstimulated blood cultures in leukemia patients is crucial for differentiating between constitutional and acquired abnormalities. This distinction is important because constitutional abnormalities may indicate a genetic predisposition to leukemia or other hematological disorders, while acquired abnormalities often reflect changes that arise during the disease process itself. By comparing results from both types of cultures, clinicians can determine whether the observed chromosomal or genetic changes are inherent to the patient or have emerged as a result of the leukemia. This information can guide treatment decisions and impact prognosis, as it helps in understanding the underlying mechanisms of the disease. The other options may have relevance in clinical practice, but they do not address the specific reasoning behind the distinct blood cultures in the context of leukemia. For instance, ensuring proper treatment, ruling out external factors, and evaluating disease aggressiveness are important considerations, but they do not directly relate to the fundamental goal of distinguishing between constitutional and acquired abnormalities in the cytogenetic evaluation of leukemia patients.