| Table: Markers primarily used to confirm primitive nature in AML.
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| Typically AML cases are recognised through the combination of weak CD45 expression and low side scatter (panel A), but in more differentiated forms these typical patterns may be altered.
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| AML with monocytic differentiation
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A marker expressed by all leukocytes and their precursors. In AML expression is characteristically "weak" i.e. significantly less intense than normal lymphocytes or monocytes. In monocytic AML expression may be stronger, particular in mare mature monocytic forms where expression may resemble normal monocytes.
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| Acute promyelocytic leukaemia
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Frequently expressed by AML blast cells (40-80% of cases) - most often in less differentiated forms of AML. Expression is also seen frequently (and often more strongly) in ALL
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| Other patterns
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Frequently expressed by AML blast cells (70-80% of cases) - where it can support myeloid differentiation, CD117 also has some value in establishing primitive differentiation as it is lost as cells mature
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