BCL 6 Gene Rearrangement Test
About BCL 6 Gene Rearrangement Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BCL6 FISH, BCL6 (3q27) Rearrangement, BCL6 Translocation Test, B-cell Lymphoma 6 Gene Rearrangement |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate or peripheral blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 8 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender with suspected B-cell lymphoma |
| Price | Starting at ₹6,000 |
What ia a BCL 6 Gene Rearrangement Test?
The BCL 6 gene rearrangement test checks for specific chromosomal changes involving the BCL6 gene, located on chromosome 3 (region 3q27). Doctors order this test when investigating suspected B-cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer affecting the immune system. It is also known as the BCL6 FISH test or BCL6 Translocation Test. The test uses a technique called fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) to detect these genetic changes in a bone marrow or blood sample.
What Does a BCL 6 Gene Rearrangement Test Measure?
This test analyses whether the BCL6 gene has undergone a rearrangement, meaning a section of chromosomal material has broken off and reattached in an abnormal position. The table below summarises what the test assesses.
| Component | What It Looks For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| BCL6 Gene Rearrangement | Separation of FISH probe signals on chromosome 3q27 | Detects genetic abnormalities linked to B-cell lymphomas |
| Signal Pattern | Fusion (normal) versus split (rearranged) signals | Helps classify lymphoma subtype and assess disease aggressiveness |
The FISH method uses two differently labelled probes that bind to either side of the BCL6 gene. If the gene is intact, the probes appear fused. If a rearrangement is present, the signals appear separated.
Why is a BCL 6 Gene Rearrangement Test Done?
Doctors use the BCL 6 gene rearrangement test to support the diagnosis and classification of B-cell lymphomas. It plays an important role in identifying aggressive lymphoma subtypes and guiding further clinical decisions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test.
- Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin that persists for several weeks
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue
- High fever (above 39.5°C) lasting more than 2 days
- Drenching night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent infections or lowered immunity
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify or classify the following conditions.
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), where BCL6 rearrangements occur in up to 30 to 40% of cases
- Follicular lymphoma, where rearrangements may be seen in 5 to 15% of cases
- High-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements, commonly called double-hit lymphoma
- Triple-hit lymphoma, which carries rearrangements in BCL2, BCL6, and MYC simultaneously
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The BCL 6 gene rearrangement test procedure involves collecting a bone marrow or blood sample. Your treating doctor will guide you through all the steps. Here is what to expect generally.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. However, if your doctor is performing a bone marrow biopsy alongside blood collection, they will provide specific pre-procedure instructions that you must follow.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help ensure the sample is suitable for testing.
- Bring a detailed clinical history record, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, including blood thinners, as these may affect bone marrow collection
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to the collection site
- Inform your doctor about any prior biopsies or treatments, as these may affect tissue quality
- Ensure the sample is dispatched to the laboratory promptly, as delays can affect cell viability and result accuracy
Step-by-Step Procedure
The test involves two sample types: a bone marrow aspirate and a peripheral blood sample. Both are collected during the same clinical visit.
Bone Marrow Sample:
- Your doctor will clean and numb the skin and bone surface, usually at the hip bone, using a local anaesthetic.
- A specialised needle is carefully inserted to draw a small amount of bone marrow fluid (approximately 3 ml) into a sodium heparin (green-top) tube.
- The sample is labelled and stored under refrigeration (2 to 8°C) before dispatch to the laboratory.
Peripheral Blood Sample:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin on your arm and draw approximately 3 ml of blood from a vein.
- The blood is collected into an EDTA (lavender-top) tube.
- Both samples are dispatched to the laboratory on the same day to maintain sample quality.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of your test results.
- A low number of cancer cells in the sample (low neoplastic burden) may lead to a false negative result
- Poor tissue fixation or preservation can compromise the FISH analysis
- Necrosis (dead tissue) within the sample can affect signal interpretation
- Some rearrangements may involve very short gene fragments that are difficult to detect by FISH alone, requiring additional testing methods
Understanding Your BCL 6 Gene Rearrangement Test Results
Results of the BCL 6 gene rearrangement test are reported as either negative or positive. A pathologist analyses the FISH signals and provides an interpretation. The table below outlines general reference information.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative | No BCL6 rearrangement detected; two intact fusion signals present. Samples with 15% or fewer rearranged nuclei are considered negative. |
| Positive | BCL6 rearrangement detected; split signals indicate chromosomal translocation. Samples with 24% or more rearranged nuclei are considered positive. |
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
A low number of cancer cells in the sample can produce a false negative result, even when a rearrangement is present. In some cases, the rearranged fragment may be too short to cause visible signal separation under FISH, also leading to a false negative. Poor fixation or tissue necrosis in the sample may further reduce accuracy of the results. Your doctor may recommend additional tests if clinical suspicion remains high despite a negative result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this test is used to detect genetic changes rather than monitor a routine blood value, the following are general wellness recommendations rather than targets.
- Attend regular medical check-ups if you have known risk factors for lymphoma or a family history of blood cancers
- Report persistent symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fevers, or significant weight loss to your doctor without delay
- Support your immune system with balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management
Lupin Diagnostics BCL 6 Gene Rearrangement Test Price
The BCL 6 gene rearrangement test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹6,000. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test, as bone marrow and blood samples must be collected by a specialist in a clinical setting.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 6000 |
| CHENNAI | 6000 |
| HYDERABAD | 6000 |
| KOLKATA | 6000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 6000 |
| PUNE | 6000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
You can book the BCL 6 gene rearrangement test online by following these steps.
- 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 8 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test is used to detect chromosomal changes in the BCL6 gene that are associated with certain B-cell lymphomas. It helps doctors classify the lymphoma subtype and assess how aggressive the disease may be. The findings support clinical decision-making for further management.
This test requires both a bone marrow aspirate and a peripheral blood sample, each collected in a specific tube. Both samples are taken during the same clinical visit at a Lupin Diagnostics centre by a trained specialist.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 8 days. This allows time for specialised FISH processing and detailed analysis by a pathologist.
A positive result confirms that a BCL6 gene rearrangement is present in the tested sample. This finding is associated with certain subtypes of B-cell lymphoma and may indicate a more aggressive disease course. Your doctor will discuss what this means in the context of your full clinical picture.
A negative result means no BCL6 rearrangement was detected in the sample tested. However, a negative result does not rule out lymphoma entirely, as other genetic markers may still be present. Your doctor may order additional tests if there is continued clinical concern.
No. The BCL 6 gene rearrangement test requires a bone marrow aspirate and blood draw, both of which must be performed by a qualified specialist in a clinical setting. Home collection is not available for this test.
Double-hit lymphoma is a type of aggressive B-cell lymphoma that carries rearrangements in MYC along with BCL2 and/or BCL6. Triple-hit lymphoma has rearrangements in all three genes: BCL2, BCL6, and MYC. These subtypes are identified through testing and require specialist management.
BCL 6 Gene Rearrangement Test
