French-American-British (FAB) classification of AML

 

M1

(AML without maturation)

 

Blasts>=90% of NEC;

>=3% of blasts positive for peroxidase or SBB;

Monocytic component <=10% of NEC;

Granulocytic component <=10% of NEC

M2

(AML with granulocytic maturation)

Blasts 30-89% of NEC;

Granulocytic component >10% of NEC;

Monocytic component <20% of NEC

M3 and

M3 variant

Characteristic morphology

M4

(Acute myelomonocytic leukaemia)

Blasts >=30% of NEC;

Granulocytic component (including myeloblastc)>=20% of NEC

AND

EITHER

BM monocytic component >=20% of NEC and

PB monocyte count >=5x10e9/L

OR

BM monocytic component>=20% of NEC and

lysozyme elevated*

OR

BM monocytic component >=20% of NEC and

cytochemical confirmation of monocyte component in BM**

OR

BM resembling M2 but PB monocyte count >= 5x10e9/L and

lysozyme elevated

OR

BM resembling M2 but PB monocyte count >= 5x10e9/L and

cytochemical demonstration of monocytic component in BM

M5

(acute monocytic monoblastic leukaemia)

 

M5a

(without maturation or acute monoblastic leukaemia)

Monocytic component >= 80% of NEC;

Monoblasts >= 80% monocytic component

M5b

(with maturation or acute monocytic leukaemia)

Monocytic component >= 80% of NEC;

Monoblasts < 80% of monocyte component

M6

(erythroleukaemia)

Erythroblasts >= 50%;

blasts >= 30% of NEC

M7

(megakaryoblastic leukaemia)

Blasts demonstrated to be megakaryoblasts, for example by ultrastructural cytochemistry showing the presence of platelet peroxidase or by immunological cell marker studies showing the presence of platelet antigens

M0

(AML with minimal evidence of myeloid differentiation)

Peroxidase and SBB positive in < 3% of blasts but

blasts demonostrated to be myeloid by immunophenotyping

BM - bone marow

NEC - non-erythroid cells

PB - peripheral blood

* Lysozyme in serum or urine elevated threefold compared with normal.

** Positive for NASA esterase activity, with activity being inhibited by fluoride.

This criteria given apply to the Bone marrow unless stated otherwise.

 

Reference:

  1. Blood Cells A Practical Guide, Barbara J. Bain, 2nd Edition,1995. Table 9.3, P.277

Last updated on 25 February, 2000.

Prepared by HKMTAQAP Haematology & Serology Panel.

Copyright 2000 HKMTAQAP. All Rights Reserved.