Key takeaways
- Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but they can help doctors identify related issues and monitor treatment progress.
- A typical blood panel for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma includes a complete blood count and blood chemistry tests, which can reveal abnormalities in blood cells, liver function, and levels of certain proteins.
- It is important to discuss blood test results with a trained healthcare professional, as results can have different meanings depending on an individual’s medical history and situation.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) begins in the lymphatic system. Some people with a diagnosis of NHL will also have lymphoma cells in their bone marrow. This can cause various symptoms, including anemia, swollen lymph nodes, or a rash.
A doctor may order blood tests to look for a low blood cell count, infection, or other signs. If a doctor suspects lymphoma, they may recommend a lymph node biopsy. According to the
This article explains how blood tests can help detect non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the types of tests, procedures, and results.
Blood tests play a role in the initial stages of diagnosis and also during treatment. While blood tests alone cannot diagnose non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other lymphomas, they may detect related issues such as anemia and low white blood cell count.
Blood tests can also:
- show whether lymphoma is progressing in the body
- reveal how well treatment is working
- provide clues about the individual’s general health
If a doctor suspects lymphoma, they will also recommend a biopsy and imaging tests.
Blood tests are usually low risk procedures that take a few minutes. They often take place in a laboratory or in a doctor’s office.
Before
A person should ask the doctor beforehand if they need to fast before a blood test and when they can expect to receive the results.
A person can usually eat and drink before a blood test.
However, blood tests to check liver and kidney function will measure various chemicals. A person may need to fast before these tests, as food or drink may affect the balance of these chemicals, leading to inaccurate results.
A doctor will inform the person how long they need to go without eating and drinking. They may also advise a person to drink water before the test to ensure sufficient blood flow.
During the test
During a blood test, the person will sit in a chair while a medical professional inserts a needle into a vein in their arm and draws blood.
The health professional will likely:
- Secure a rubber band around the arm to help them see the veins more clearly.
- Clean the area with an alcohol swab.
- Insert the needle into a vein, at which the person might feel a pinch that lasts for a few seconds.
- Attach a small bottle or syringe to the needle and draw blood to fill one or more small containers.
- During collection, the phlebotomist may release the band to allow blood to flow more easily.
- Release the band and remove the needle.
- Press an absorbent pad on the injection site and apply a dressing.
Obtaining the sample for a blood test usually takes only a few minutes.
After
A person may feel lightheaded after giving blood. The health professional will likely advise them to remain seated until the feeling passes.
They will then label the blood samples and send them to the lab for analysis.
Blood tests are generally safe, but people can discuss any potential concerns with their doctor beforehand.
A person should contact their doctor if they experience signs of infection at the injection site. These include inflammation, swelling, and fever.
Rarely, excessive bleeding may occur. People should let their doctor know if they use anticoagulant drugs (sometimes called blood thinners) or have an underlying condition that causes excessive bleeding.
A typical blood panel for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma includes the following tests:
A complete blood count (CBC)
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that measures the different components in the blood.
A person with a recent diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may have a low blood cell count. If lymphoma is growing in the bone marrow, it could affect new blood cell formation.
A CBC can
- anemia, a low red blood cell count
- thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count
- leukopenia, a low white blood cell count
- pancytopenia, which means levels of red and white blood cells and platelets are all low
- lymphocytosis
- thrombocytosis, a high platelet count
These can be signs that lymphoma is affecting the bone marrow or spleen. They can also indicate blood loss due to gastrointestinal tract involvement.
Blood chemistry tests
Doctors use a group of tests called chemistry panels to assess a person’s blood. These tests can provide information about an individual’s general health. They can also detect and measure levels of antibodies, proteins, and other chemical substances.
Liver panels or liver function tests might help a doctor diagnose advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This type of test looks for low albumin levels to assess how well a person’s kidneys and liver are working.
An individual’s liver and kidneys can usually cope with high levels of chemicals by filtering them and removing them in waste. If lymphoma affects how these organs work, an
Recent research suggests that genetic and biomarker testing can help healthcare professionals gain information about a person’s lymphoma, enabling more targeted treatment decisions. A person may wish to ask their doctor about whether such testing is right for them.
Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH)
If a person has a lymphoma diagnosis, a doctor may check their lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level. Doctors use LDH tests to monitor lymphoma and other conditions that can cause tissue damage.
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C-reactive protein (CRP)
The liver produces C-reactive protein (CRP) in response to inflammation. High levels of CRP in the blood may indicate inflammation and can be a sign of lymphoma.
However, CRP levels can be high for many reasons. A high level does not necessarily mean a person has lymphoma.
Sometimes, a person will have their blood test results on the same day, but it can take several days.
Results above or below the accepted ranges may indicate lymphoma. Higher levels of certain blood proteins can also be a sign of more advanced lymphoma.
People should always discuss their blood tests with a health professional trained to interpret the results in the context of the person’s wider medical history.
Blood test results can have different meanings, depending on the individual’s situation.
Together with biopsies, blood tests can help diagnose lymphoma. They can detect whether substances in the blood are at unusual levels, which might indicate lymphoma.
Blood tests can also help rule out other possible causes of symptoms.
Only a biopsy can determine whether a person has lymphoma, but blood tests can give clues that provide a fuller picture.