Scottish validation study of Cancer Registration data childhood leukaemia 1968-1981. Bone marrow review--II.

Following a review of central leukaemia registration data for Scottish children 1968-1981 a retrospective assessment of leukaemia type was made by inspection of bone marrow slides. Only 57% of slides were still available and in 72% of these the review panel confirmed the initial diagnosis of leukaemia and its type. In eight cases the panel disagreed with the diagnosis or the type of leukaemia designated. Central slide review at diagnosis in childhood leukaemia is essential if subsequent epidemiological studies are to be meaningful.