Yes, PNH can be diagnosed without a bone marrow biopsy. The gold standard test for diagnosing PNH is flow cytometry, a blood test that checks whether your blood cells are missing specific surface proteins that normally protect them from your immune system. This missing "protein shield" is a key marker of PNH. Several other Show Full Answer
Yes, PNH can be diagnosed without a bone marrow biopsy. The gold standard test for diagnosing PNH is flow cytometry, a blood test that checks whether your blood cells are missing specific surface proteins that normally protect them from your immune system. This missing "protein shield" is a key marker of PNH. Several other blood tests can also support a PNH diagnosis, including:
- Complete blood count (CBC) — checks levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin
- LDH test — looks for an enzyme that rises when red blood cells are being destroyed
- Reticulocyte count — measures immature red blood cells
- Haptoglobin test — checks a protein that clears debris from destroyed red blood cells
- Bilirubin test — measures a pigment released when red blood cells break down
- Urine test — can detect blood or iron deposits linked to PNH A bone marrow biopsy is not required to confirm PNH, but doctors may recommend one to check for related bone marrow issues or rule out other conditions. It gives a fuller picture of what's happening in your bone marrow, especially if bone marrow failure is suspected.
It's always worth having an open conversation with your doctor about which tests make the most sense for your specific situation.
October 12
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