ASCP Specialist in Hematology (SH) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Auer rods are cytoplasmic inclusions that appear as slender, rod-like structures within the cells and are primarily associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Their presence indicates myeloid differentiation and is a crucial cytological feature used in the diagnosis of AML. Auer rods can be seen in various subtypes of AML and serve as a morphological hallmark for this type of leukemia.

The formation of Auer rods occurs due to an abnormal aggregation of immature myeloid cells, which is characteristic of acute myeloid leukemia. Identifying these structures under the microscope helps hematologists differentiate AML from other hematological disorders, particularly those that do not exhibit this feature, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or chronic myeloid leukemia, which do not typically present Auer rods. This characteristic makes it a specific marker for diagnosing and classifying acute myeloid leukemia.