Non-specific esterase is positive in all the categories of Acute Myeloid Leukemia, EXCEPT:
Non specific esterase is negative in M3 type of Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Alpha naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE), Alpha naphthyl butyrate esterase (ANBE) and Alpha naphthyl AS esterase (NASA) are the non specific esterase reactions that are positive in M4 (acute myelomonocytic leukemia) and M5 (acute monocytic/monoblastic leukemia) type of AML. Their presence is variable in M6 (acute erythroid leukemia). Ref: Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology, 10th Ed, Page 2221; Textbook of pathology, B N Datta, 2nd Edition, Page 1118 & 1119.
M3
M4
M5
M6