MDS is diagnosed through a series of tests, including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Evaluates the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Peripheral Blood Smear: Examines the size, shape, and appearance of blood cells under a microscope.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: Involves taking a sample of bone marrow to examine the number and type of cells and their maturity.
- Cytogenetic Analysis: Identifies chromosomal abnormalities in the bone marrow cells.
- Flow Cytometry: Analyzes the characteristics of cells to detect abnormal cells.