leukemoid reaction is exaggerated response to infection. leukemoid reaction is benign but its close resemblance to leukemia made it queit worrisome to doctors and needs to be investigated properly. Although qualified hematologist or oncologist usually consulted but generally in leukemoid reaction leukocyte alkaline phosphatase is elevated while its depressed in leukemia, peripheral blood smears show immature forms in leukemia not particularly in leukemoid reaction .

By cytogenetics presence of philadelphia chromosome in chronic myelogenous leukemia differentiate it from leukemoid reaction in adults.

Leukemia is blood cancer.

Hi,

Normal neutrophils have normal amount of LAP while malignant immature neutrophils in CML are deficient in the enzyme. So the leukocytosis seen in a leukemoid reaction ir infection will present with normal or elevated LAP, because the neutrophils are normal, while in CML, the leukocytosis is full of immature neutrophils.

Hope this helps.

Normal reaction happens when the reaction is normal. Abnormal reaction happens when the reaction is abnormal.