Blast Cells
Blast cells are immature blood cells. [1]
Where Blast Cells Come From
Blast cells are early precursor forms of blood cells before they mature into more specialized mature cells. [2]
Why Blast Cells Matter Clinically
An increased number of blast cells in the blood or bone marrow can indicate a blood cancer such as acute leukemia. [2]
Common Contexts Where “Blast” Is Used
Blast cells are used in diagnosing and classifying hematologic malignancies, including acute leukemia and the “blastic phase” of chronic myeloid leukemia. [1][3]
Percentage Thresholds Used in Hematology
For chronic myeloid leukemia, the “blastic phase” is defined as 20% or more blast cells in the blood or bone marrow. [3]