[A comprehensive diagnostic system for hematological diseases based on the WHO classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues].

The WHO classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues is widely used as a standard for the diagnosis of hematological diseases. However, complicated algorithms developed through the integration of a large amount of laboratory information together with clinical characteristics are employed in most of the diagnostic criteria. Physicians usually have only a limited time to interpret laboratory findings and collate all this information for making a final diagnosis. In order to support their clinical practice, our clinical laboratory has implemented a comprehensive diagnostic system, which provides a summarized report of hematological diseases based on the related laboratory data when the microscopic evaluation of a bone marrow smear or flow cytometric analysis of a lymph node is ordered. The report describes possible disease classifications and suggests further examinations to be performed. This comprehensive diagnostic system is helpful for not only the standardization of the diagnosis but also efficient diagnostic procedures and, thus, subsequent medical care.