Leroy Satchel Paige was the longtime Negro League star who eventually received his due in the majors. He reportedly got his nickname working as a baggage porter in Mobile, Ala., where he became a satchel tree by carrying several bags at once. Satchel, the man, was literally ageless.
The diagnosis of AML requires the identification of 20% or more leukemic blasts in the bone marrow. Further analysis then must separate AML from acute lymphoblastic leukemia by showing evidence for commitment to the myeloid lineage.
CBC and peripheral smear are the first tests done; pancytopenia and peripheral blasts suggest acute leukemia. Blast cells in the peripheral smear may approach 90% of WBC count. Bone marrow examination (aspiration or needle biopsy) is routinely done, although the diagnosis can usually be made from the peripheral smear.