Get diagnosed and get treated
Because PNH is rare and because its symptoms can vary, it can be difficult to detect. Diagnosis of PNH can often be delayed by several years. [1,2] However, there are laboratory tests that your physician can perform to check for PNH if it is suspected. It is important to discuss all of your signs and symptoms with your health care professional to ensure the quickest possible diagnosis
and treatment.
Tests your physician may order
Your physician may order a number of tests to confirm a PNH diagnosis, including:
- Flow cytometry
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Sucrose hemolysis test
- Ham’s test
- Urinalysis
- Serum hemoglobin
Flow cytometry, the standard for PNH diagnosis
Flow cytometry is a sophisticated laboratory technique used to identify and sort cells and their components. Using flow cytometry, physicians can determine the exact proportion of PNH cells in your blood. Flow cytometry is considered to be the standard for confirming a PNH diagnosis. In most cases, flow cytometry has replaced the need for either a Ham's test or sucrose hemolysis test. [3,4]
References: 1. Hillmen P, Lewis SM, Bessler M, Luzzatto L, Dacie JV. Natural history of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. N Engl J Med. 1995;333:1253-1258. 2. Dacie JV, Lewis SM. Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria: clinical manifestations, haematology, and nature of the disease. Ser Haematol.
1972;5:3-23. 3. Brodsky RA. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SJ, et al, eds. Hematology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005:419-427. 4. Parker C, Omine M, Richards S, et al, for the International PNH Interest Group. Diagnosis and management of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Blood. 2005;106:3699-3709.
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