BCR/ABL Breakpoint Analysis RT PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About BCR/ABL Breakpoint Analysis RT PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BCR-ABL Breakpoint Analysis by RT-PCR, BCR-ABL1 Qualitative/Quantitative Test, Philadelphia Chromosome Test, BCR-ABL Fusion Gene Detection |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (venous) or bone marrow aspirate |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 4 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of all ages and genders; typically those with suspected leukaemia |
| Price | Starting at ₹5,500 |
What is a BCR/ABL Breakpoint Analysis RT PCR Test?
The BCR/ABL breakpoint analysis RT PCR test is a molecular diagnostic test that detects and measures the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene in blood or bone marrow cells. This fusion gene is the genetic hallmark of certain blood cancers, particularly chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Doctors order this test when they suspect a patient may have CML or Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL). A sample of peripheral blood or bone marrow is collected and analysed using Real Time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology.
What Does a BCR/ABL Breakpoint Analysis RT PCR Test Measure?
This test identifies whether the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene is present in blood cells and, if so, measures the quantity of BCR-ABL messenger RNA (mRNA) it produces. The gene arises when two chromosomes (9 and 22) exchange genetic material, producing what is called the Philadelphia chromosome. The test detects three specific breakpoint variants, each linked to different conditions.
| Breakpoint Variant | Also Called | Associated Condition |
|---|---|---|
| p210 | Major breakpoint | Primary marker of CML; also found in one-third of Ph+ B-cell ALL cases |
| p190 | Minor breakpoint | Found in two-thirds of Ph+ B-cell ALL cases; less common in CML |
| p230 | Micro breakpoint | Associated with chronic neutrophilic leukaemia and high platelet counts |
Why is a BCR/ABL Breakpoint Analysis RT PCR Test Done?
This test is ordered both for the initial diagnosis of blood cancers and for monitoring how well treatment is working. Below are the key reasons a doctor may request it.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Certain signs can prompt a doctor to investigate the possibility of a BCR-ABL-related blood cancer. These symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Unexplained weight loss over a short period
- Excessive sweating, particularly at night
- Discomfort or fullness in the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen
- Shortness of breath during routine activity
- Frequent or prolonged infections
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The BCR/ABL breakpoint analysis RT PCR is used to identify or confirm the following conditions:
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), a blood cancer affecting myeloid cells
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ B-cell ALL)
- Rarely, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia, where the BCR-ABL abnormality is identified
BCR/ABL Breakpoint Analysis RT PCR Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in tracking how patients with CML respond to treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) drugs. Current clinical guidelines recommend monitoring BCR-ABL1 levels in peripheral blood every 3 months using this test. Once a patient achieves a major molecular response, monitoring is recommended every 3 months for 2 years and every 3 to 6 months after that.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The BCR/ABL breakpoint analysis RT PCR test procedure is straightforward. No special preparation is needed, though there are a few important practical points to keep in mind.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Taking a few simple steps before your visit will help ensure your sample is collected and processed without issues.
- Bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any family history of blood disorders, as this is required for the test
- Inform the doctor or phlebotomist about all medications you are currently taking, especially any TKI treatments
- Try to schedule your appointment early in the week to allow the laboratory sufficient processing time
- Stay well hydrated on the day of your appointment
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test requires a blood sample or, in some cases, a bone marrow sample. Below is what to expect during collection.
Blood Sample Collection:
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) will ask you to sit comfortably and expose your arm.
- A tourniquet is tied around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- The skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A small needle is inserted to draw approximately 3 ml of blood into a lavender-top (EDTA) tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small dressing is placed on the site.
- The sample is immediately refrigerated and sent to the laboratory within 48 hours to preserve RNA quality.
Bone Marrow Sample Collection:
- If a bone marrow sample is required, a specialist doctor performs the procedure at the centre.
- The skin over the hip bone or sternum is numbed with a local anaesthetic.
- A specialised needle is used to draw approximately 3 ml of bone marrow into a lavender-top (EDTA) tube.
- The sample is labelled, refrigerated immediately, and dispatched to the laboratory.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may affect the reliability of your test result. These include:
- Delay in transporting the sample to the laboratory, which can degrade RNA quality
- Collecting the sample in a standard EDTA tube rather than an RNA-stabilising tube
- Comparing results across different laboratories or testing methods, which is not recommended
- Inconsistent monitoring (switching laboratories between tests can make tracking treatment progress difficult)
Understanding Your BCR/ABL Breakpoint Analysis RT PCR Test Results
Results from the BCR/ABL breakpoint analysis RT PCR are reported either as qualitative (detected or not detected) or as a quantitative ratio on the International Scale (IS). The table below outlines key reference points used in result interpretation.
| Parameter | Target/Normal Range | What It Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| BCR-ABL1 transcript (qualitative) | Not detected | No Philadelphia chromosome detected |
| BCR-ABL1:ABL1 ratio (quantitative) | 0.1% IS or less | Major Molecular Response (MMR) achieved |
| Deep Molecular Response (MR4.0) | 0.01% IS or less | 4-log reduction from standardised baseline |
| Deep Molecular Response (MR4.5) | 0.0032% IS or less | 4.5-log reduction from standardised baseline |
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
Bone marrow samples tend to show higher BCR-ABL1 levels than peripheral blood samples from the same patient. For this reason, switching between bone marrow and peripheral blood sampling during ongoing treatment monitoring can lead to misleading comparisons. Patients should aim to use the same sample type consistently throughout their monitoring period. Additionally, only level changes greater than 0.5 log are considered clinically significant; smaller fluctuations within this range are generally considered equivalent.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Managing BCR-ABL1 levels is part of long-term treatment for CML. The following general habits support treatment outcomes.
- Attend all scheduled monitoring appointments as recommended by your haematologist
- Take any prescribed medications consistently and at the correct times
- Report new or unusual symptoms to your healthcare team without delay
Lupin Diagnostics BCR/ABL Breakpoint Analysis RT PCR Test Price
The BCR/ABL breakpoint analysis RT PCR test is available at Lupin Diagnostics centres starting at ₹5,500. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available due to the specialised handling the sample requires.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 8250 |
| CHENNAI | 8250 |
| HYDERABAD | 8250 |
| KOLKATA | 8250 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 5500 |
| PUNE | 8250 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- 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 BCR/ABL breakpoint analysis RT PCR test is a molecular diagnostic test that detects the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene in blood or bone marrow. It identifies the specific breakpoint variant (p210, p190, or p230) and can also measure the quantity of the fusion gene present. Doctors use it to diagnose CML and Ph+ ALL and to track how well treatment is working.
The BCR-ABL1 fusion gene can appear in different forms, and its significance depends heavily on the patient's clinical background. Providing a full clinical history, including symptoms, prior diagnoses, and current medications, allows the laboratory and your doctor to interpret the result correctly and choose the most appropriate testing approach.
Current clinical guidelines recommend testing every 3 months for most CML patients on TKI therapy. Once a major molecular response has been achieved and maintained, testing frequency may be extended to every 3 to 6 months, based on your haematologist's advice.
A positive result means the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene was detected in your sample. This finding is strongly associated with CML or Ph+ ALL and is present in approximately 95% of CML cases at the time of diagnosis. Your doctor will review the result alongside your full clinical picture before making any diagnosis or treatment decision.
A qualitative test reports whether the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene is present or absent and identifies which type of transcript is present. A quantitative test measures the amount of the fusion gene and is used for ongoing treatment monitoring and detection of minimal residual disease (small amounts of cancer remaining after treatment).
The International Scale (IS) is a standardised reporting system that allows BCR-ABL1 levels to be compared consistently across different time points and laboratories worldwide. This standardisation is especially important for patients who may be monitored over many years, as it ensures that changes in levels reflect true biological changes rather than differences between testing methods.
No, the BCR/ABL breakpoint analysis RT PCR test home collection option is not available. The sample, particularly the bone marrow aspirate, requires specialised collection equipment and trained staff. Blood samples also need to reach the laboratory within 48 hours to prevent RNA degradation, making a centre visit necessary.
BCR/ABL Breakpoint Analysis RT PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
