The diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is established by a physician based on a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination, medical history, and specialized tests analyzing blood and bone marrow cells.

Medical History
Your medical history is thoroughly reviewed to gather information regarding your health habits, prior illnesses, and past treatments.

Physical Examination
A comprehensive physical examination is performed to assess your general health and identify any unusual findings or symptoms. During this examination, your lymph nodes, spleen, and liver will be palpated for any signs of enlargement.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A blood sample is collected for a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which measures various parameters:
* The number of red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes).
* The amount of hemoglobin bound to red blood cells.
* The hematocrit, which is the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.

Blood and Urine Biochemistry Tests
Blood and urine biochemistry tests analyze blood samples to measure levels of specific substances released by organs and tissues into the bloodstream. Abnormally high or low levels of these substances can provide supportive information for diagnosis.

Peripheral Blood Smear
A peripheral blood smear involves microscopic examination of a blood sample to evaluate the morphology (shape), quantity, and type of blood cells, including white blood cells and platelets. This test is crucial for diagnosing acute myeloid leukemia by identifying abnormal cell characteristics.

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are procedures performed to collect and examine bone marrow, a spongy tissue found within certain large bones. These procedures are essential for diagnosing and monitoring acute leukemia. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are typically performed concurrently.
The procedure is usually performed on the posterior iliac crest (the back of the hip bone). A needle is inserted through the skin and subcutaneous tissues, reaching the bone, and then advanced into the bone marrow cavity.
For aspiration, a hematologist or oncologist attaches a syringe to the needle to withdraw a liquid sample of bone marrow. This process takes only a few minutes. If a sample cannot be obtained, the procedure may be repeated. In some cases, due to the disease's nature, no liquid bone marrow may be aspirated ('dry tap'), in which case only a biopsy is taken.
For the bone marrow biopsy, a larger needle is used to extract a solid core sample of bone marrow tissue, typically at least 1.5 cm (1.5-3.5 cm) in length to ensure adequate material. Like aspiration, the biopsy also takes only a few minutes.
Both the aspirate and biopsy samples are subsequently examined under a microscope by a hematologist and a pathologist to identify leukemia cells and assess healthy blood cell populations. A diagnosis of acute leukemia can be confirmed if leukemia cells exceed a certain percentage in the bone marrow.

Genetic Analysis
Following bone marrow sampling, genetic analysis is performed on the tissue cells to identify chromosomal abnormalities and genetic mutations relevant to AML.

Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemistry involves the analysis of antigens (specific protein markers) present on the surface of bone marrow cells, which act as cellular 'identity tags'.

Flow Cytometry
Flow cytometry is a critical diagnostic test for acute leukemia. It reveals various cellular characteristics, such as size, shape, and the presence of specific tumor markers on the cell surface. For this test, cells are labeled with a fluorescent dye and suspended in a fluid. A laser beam is directed through the cells, and their properties are determined by analyzing how light scatters and the emitted fluorescence.