DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES IN ACUTE MONOBLASTIC /MONOCYTIC LEUKEMIA IN CHILDREN OF QUETTA BALUCHISTAN

Background: Particularly in low-resource areas with poor pediatric healthcare facilities, such as Quetta, Baluchistan, acute monoblastic/monocytic leukemia (AMoL) poses special diagnostic challenges. Objective: To investigate the difficulties in diagnosing AMoL in children, with an emphasis on clinical obstacles, laboratory shortcomings, and institutional constraints. Methods: 100 people participated in the qualitative study, which included pediatric patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather the data, which were then subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Financial difficulties, irregular cytochemical labeling, a shortage of qualified morphologists, and restricted access to flow cytometry and molecular testing were among the main obstacles. Misunderstandings and delays in diagnosis were frequent. Conclusion: For quick and precise AMoL diagnosis in underprivileged pediatric populations, it is essential to improve infrastructure, training, and reasonably priced diagnostics.