This thesis addresses two current issues in the laboratory diagnosis and understanding of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Clinical laboratory testing by flow cytometry is critically important for the identification and characterization of CLL and other blood cancers. Flow cytometry investigations, however, are complex, time consuming, and financially costly. These factors drive the need for improvements in laboratory test utilization, particularly in publically funded healthcare systems and

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... in resource-limited areas of the world. Several low-cost ancillary hematology and chemistry lab tests which are often performed alongside flow cytometry testing were investigated in order to identify biomarkers useful in the prediction of CLL or other similar leukemias. Using these predictors, a novel model is proposed for the triaging of bloods for flow cytometry. Diagnostic data was also used to ascertain the current incidence of CLL in the study cohort and standardized to the Canadian population.