If non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is suspected, the doctor asks about the person's medical history and performs a physical exam. The exam includes feeling to see if the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin are enlarged. In addition to checking general signs of health, the doctor may perform series of blood tests to determine the levels of red and white cells and platelets in the blood, and how well organs, such as the liver and kidneys are working. In the hospital, in diagnosing Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, it is likely that a biopsy will be carried out as this is the only way to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is usually taken from a lymph node, but other tissues may be sampled as well. Sometimes, an operation called alaparotomymay be performed. During this operation, a surgeon cuts into the abdomen and removes samples of tissue to be checked under a microscope. Another biopsy may be carried out to see if the lymphoma has spread to your bone marrow.Doctors may also order tests that produce pictures of the inside of the body. These may include: chest X-rays, CTscan, MRI, and Lymphangiogram wherein pictures of the lymphatic system are taken with x-rays after a special dye is injected to outline the lymph nodes and vessels.