BCL2/IGH (t14;18) Test
About BCL2/IGH (t14;18) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IGH/BCL2 translocation test, t(14;18) FISH test, BCL2 rearrangement test, Follicular lymphoma FISH |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 10 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of both genders with suspected lymphoma or B-cell malignancies |
| Price | Starting at ₹5,500 |
What is a BCL2/IGH (t14;18) Test?
The BCL2/IGH (t14;18) test is a specialised molecular diagnostic test that detects a specific chromosomal change linked to certain types of blood cancers. It looks for an abnormal swap of genetic material between chromosome 14 and chromosome 18, known as the t(14;18) translocation. This test is typically ordered by a haematologist or oncologist when lymphoma is suspected. It is also known as the IGH/BCL2 translocation test, the t(14;18) FISH test, or the BCL2 rearrangement test.
What Does a BCL2/IGH (t14;18) Test Measure?
The BCL2/IGH test uses a method called FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation), which uses fluorescent probes to highlight specific gene regions under a microscope. It examines the following:
| What Is Measured | What It Means |
|---|---|
| t(14;18) chromosomal translocation | An abnormal swap of genetic material between chromosomes 14 and 18 |
| IGH/BCL2 gene fusion | The joining of the IGH gene (chromosome 14) with the BCL2 gene (chromosome 18) |
| BCL2 protein overexpression mechanism | The translocation causes the BCL2 gene to become overactive, preventing cancer cells from dying naturally |
| FISH signal pattern | Normal cells show two green and two orange signals; abnormal cells show a distinct fusion signal pattern indicating translocation |
Why is a BCL2/IGH (t14;18) Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a lymphoma or another B-cell blood disorder. It helps confirm a diagnosis and can also be used to monitor how a patient is responding to treatment.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Painless swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin (enlarged lymph nodes)
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss, particularly losing 10% or more of body weight within six months
- Recurring fever and night sweats
- Chills that do not correspond to an obvious infection
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The BCL2/IGH (t14;18) test can help identify the following conditions:
- Follicular lymphoma, where this translocation is present in up to 90% of cases
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), where it may be found in up to 30% of cases
- Chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disease (CLPD), including some cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
BCL2/IGH (t14;18) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays a role in monitoring patients already diagnosed with follicular lymphoma. It can track whether cancer cells remain after treatment, a concept known as minimal residual disease. A clear link has been found between achieving a negative molecular result and longer periods free of disease progression. Regular monitoring, as advised by a haematologist, helps guide ongoing treatment decisions.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, though the sample type and collection method may differ depending on your clinical situation.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You may eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Please keep the following in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or ongoing treatments you are receiving
- Carry previous pathology or imaging reports if you have them
- If a tissue biopsy is being collected, follow any specific pre-procedure instructions given by your healthcare provider
Step-by-Step Procedure
The BCL2/IGH test procedure involves careful collection and processing of a tissue sample. Here is what typically happens:
- Your doctor or pathologist reviews your clinical history before proceeding with sample collection.
- A tissue sample, such as a lymph node biopsy, is collected by a specialist using an appropriate procedure.
- The tissue is preserved in a chemical solution (formalin-fixed) and set in wax (paraffin-embedded), creating an FFPE tissue block. This is the sample type used for this test.
- The tissue block is transported to a specialised laboratory at ambient temperature (18 to 28 degrees Celsius).
- In the laboratory, thin slices of the tissue are prepared and treated with fluorescent probes targeting the IGH and BCL2 gene regions using the FISH method.
- A trained scientist examines the fluorescent signal patterns under a microscope and prepares a detailed report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Quality and adequacy of the tissue sample collected
- Proper preservation and handling of the FFPE tissue block during transport
- The proportion of abnormal cells in the sample (very low levels may not be detected)
- Laboratory expertise in FISH analysis and signal interpretation
- Certain BCL2 rearrangements involving gene partners other than IGH will not be detected by this test
Understanding Your BCL2/IGH (t14;18) Test Results
Your results will be reviewed and interpreted by a specialist in the context of your full clinical picture. The table below provides a general guide to what the results may indicate.
| Parameter | Normal (Negative) | Abnormal (Positive) |
|---|---|---|
| t(14;18) translocation | Not detected | Detected |
| IGH/BCL2 fusion signal | Absent (2 green, 2 orange signals on FISH) | Present (fusion signal pattern observed) |
Disclaimer: "These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice."
Results During Special Conditions
Some situations can make results harder to interpret:
- Low-level IGH/BCL2 fusions have occasionally been found in healthy individuals using very sensitive testing methods. A positive result must always be considered alongside your overall clinical findings and must not be interpreted in isolation.
- PCR-based assays detect breakpoint regions that account for roughly 70 to 80% of t(14;18)-associated lymphomas. The test will not detect BCL2 rearrangements involving gene partners other than IGH.
- Age and smoking may increase the likelihood of detecting low-level translocations in people without any lymphoma.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test detects a genetic change rather than a value that can be improved through lifestyle alone, these general tips support your overall health:
- Attend regular health check-ups and report any new or persistent swollen lymph nodes to your doctor promptly
- Follow a balanced diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle to support immune function
- If you are already diagnosed, keep to your haematologist's recommended monitoring and follow-up schedule
Lupin Diagnostics BCL2/IGH (t14;18) Test Price
The BCL2/IGH (t14;18) test is priced starting at ₹5,500 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 5500 |
| CHENNAI | 5500 |
| HYDERABAD | 5500 |
| KOLKATA | 5500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 5500 |
| PUNE | 5500 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Getting a BCL2/IGH test online booking at Lupin Diagnostics is simple:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BCL2/IGH (t14;18) test detects a specific chromosomal translocation that is closely associated with follicular lymphoma. It helps confirm a diagnosis of certain B-cell blood cancers and can also be used to monitor how well a patient is responding to treatment over time.
At Lupin Diagnostics, this test is performed on an FFPE tissue block, which is a tissue sample that has been preserved and set in wax. This is typically obtained from a lymph node or other tissue biopsy collected by your treating specialist.
Not necessarily. Around 10 to 20% of follicular lymphoma cases do not carry this translocation. A negative result reduces the likelihood of certain lymphoma types but does not completely rule out lymphoma. Your doctor will consider this result alongside other clinical findings and tests.
A positive result means that the t(14;18) translocation has been detected. This is found in a large proportion of follicular lymphoma cases and in some cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. A positive result requires careful interpretation by your doctor alongside your other clinical findings.
No. This is a specialised molecular diagnostic test that requires specific tissue handling and laboratory equipment. The sample must be collected and processed at a diagnostic centre or hospital. BCL2/IGH test home collection is not available.
Booking is straightforward and can be completed quickly through the Lupin Diagnostics website. Once the sample is collected and dispatched, results are typically delivered within 10 days.
Yes. The t(14;18) translocation can be tracked over the course of treatment to assess whether cancer cells are still present, a measure known as minimal residual disease. Achieving a negative result during or after treatment is associated with better long-term outcomes, as determined by your treating haematologist.
BCL2/IGH (t14;18) Test
