The entire procedure takes about five minutes. The actual counting of cells is usually done by an electronic counter, in which a computer recognizes the patterns of each cell type. The results indicate if leukemia is present and the type of leukemia. On average, there are about 4000 to 11,000 white blood cells per cubic millimeter in the blood. An abnormally low RBC may be a result of anemia.
Anemia is indicative of leukemia.
Click here to learn more about anemia. Visit the National Cancer Institute for more information on normal blood cells, including red blood cells and white blood cells. The presence of leukemic blast cells is confirmed by examination of the marrow, by a procedure called bone marrow aspiration . Before the procedure begins, you are given a local anesthetic at the site of puncture. The area will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.