Intermediate
Technical
IVT
blast cells
Immature blood cells that, when present in high numbers, may indicate leukemia in children.
Full Definition
Blast cells are immature, undifferentiated blood cells normally found in small numbers in the bone marrow where they develop into mature blood cells. In pediatric hematology, the presence of increased blast cells in peripheral blood or bone marrow samples often indicates acute leukemia or other hematologic malignancies. Different types of blasts (lymphoblasts, myeloblasts) help classify the specific type of leukemia and guide treatment decisions.
Usage
Usage note: Two words when referring to the cells specifically. Often shortened to 'blasts' in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "The peripheral blood smear revealed 45% blast cells, highly suggestive of acute leukemia." — Laboratory report
- "Morphological examination of blast cells helps distinguish between ALL and AML." — Hematopathology report
Also known as
blasts
blast forms
Contrasted with
mature cells
Don't confuse with
basophils