What bloodwork is typically done for indolent follicular lymphoma?
Several blood tests help diagnose and monitor follicular lymphoma:
Complete Blood Count (CBC): This is the most important blood test for diagnosing follicular lymphoma and other non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It measures levels of red blood cells, white blood Show Full Answer
What bloodwork is typically done for indolent follicular lymphoma?
Several blood tests help diagnose and monitor follicular lymphoma:
Complete Blood Count (CBC): This is the most important blood test for diagnosing follicular lymphoma and other non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It measures levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets. A differential analysis may also be done to examine different types of white blood cells for abnormalities.
Additional Blood Tests: Doctors typically order several other tests to get a complete picture:
* Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) - checks kidney and liver function, along with electrolytes and minerals
* Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) - measures this enzyme which may be elevated in lymphoma
* Serum immunoglobulin tests - checks if your white blood cells are functioning normally
Your doctor may also screen for viral infections like HIV, EBV, and hepatitis, as these can affect treatment decisions.
These blood tests help determine the extent of the disease and ensure you're healthy enough for treatment. Remember, bloodwork is just one part of the diagnostic process - imaging tests and biopsies are also typically needed for a complete picture.
November 10, 2025