What is Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in Hematologic Diagnosis

Selection of the appropriate ancillary tests, often based on careful morphologic examination of peripheral blood and bone marrow and adequate patient data, are critical for accurate diagnosis. Sometimes a characteristic clinical picture or pathognomonic morphologic feature directly reflects the need for a specific panel applied simultaneously with the initial examination. Routine ancillary tests range from cytochemical and histochemical staining to more complex immunophenotyping, genetic, and molecular techniques. Sample processing and laboratory conditions affect the accuracy and reliability of these tests. The technical test procedure, interpretation, quality control measure, and source of error are essential considerations discussed for each test category in this chapter.