What diagnostic test would you expect to analyze blood for the presence of leukemia?

The bone marrow smear is the appropriate diagnostic test to analyze blood for the presence of leukemia because it allows for the direct examination of the bone marrow, where blood cell production occurs. In leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive number of abnormal white blood cells, which can be identified through this test. The smear reveals the morphology of the cells, providing critical information about the type and severity of the leukemia.

On the other hand, a complete metabolic panel assesses various metabolic functions and organ health, such as liver and kidney function, but it does not specifically analyze blood for leukemic cells. A skin biopsy is a procedure used to examine skin lesions, which is unrelated to leukemia diagnosis. Lastly, a urine culture is designed to detect bacteria or infection in the urinary system and has no relevance in identifying blood disorders like leukemia. The targeted nature of the bone marrow smear makes it the essential and definitive test for diagnosing leukemia.