BCR/ABL by FISH Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About BCR/ABL by FISH Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BCR-ABL1 FISH, Philadelphia Chromosome FISH, t(9;22) FISH, Ph Chromosome Test, BCR/ABL Translocation FISH |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate (sodium heparin tube) and peripheral blood (EDTA) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of any gender with suspected blood cancers |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,400 |
What is a BCR/ABL by FISH Test?
The BCR/ABL by FISH test detects a specific genetic abnormality called the Philadelphia chromosome, caused by a rearrangement between chromosomes 9 and 22. Doctors order this test when they suspect certain blood cancers, particularly chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The test uses a technique called Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation (FISH), which uses fluorescent probes to identify the abnormal BCR-ABL1 fusion gene in bone marrow or blood samples. It is also known as the BCR-ABL1 FISH test or Philadelphia Chromosome FISH test.
What Does a BCR/ABL by FISH Test Measure?
The BCR/ABL by FISH test procedure analyses cells at the genetic level, looking for a specific fusion between two genes. Here is what it examines:
| Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| BCR-ABL1 fusion gene | Detects whether the BCR gene and ABL1 gene have joined abnormally |
| Philadelphia chromosome | Confirms the presence of the t(9;22) translocation, a hallmark of CML |
| Percentage of abnormal cells | When positive, reports the proportion of cells that carry the fusion gene |
| Abnormal tyrosine kinase protein | The fusion gene produces an enzyme that drives uncontrolled cell growth |
Why is a BCR/ABL by FISH Test Done?
A doctor may request the BCR/ABL by FISH test for several reasons, from initial diagnosis to monitoring an existing condition.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend this test if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue and unexplained weakness
- Unexplained fever or recurring infections
- Night sweats and unintended weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged spleen
- Shortness of breath or abdominal discomfort
- Bone pain or a persistent poor appetite
- Unusual or easy bleeding
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The BCR/ABL by FISH analysis can help identify several serious blood disorders, including:
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), where the Philadelphia chromosome is present in approximately 95% of cases
- Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), seen in 15 to 30% of adult cases
- Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN)
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), where the Philadelphia chromosome appears rarely, in around 1% of cases
BCR/ABL by FISH Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role beyond diagnosis. It is used to track how well treatment is working in patients with CML or ALL, particularly those receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (medicines that block the signals driving abnormal cell growth). Regular monitoring helps doctors detect resistance to therapy early and plan timely adjustments to the treatment approach.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No major preparation is needed for the BCR/ABL by FISH test. The steps below will help you feel ready on the day of your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before the test. There are no dietary restrictions associated with this test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help your visit go smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform the healthcare team about all medicines you are currently taking, especially blood thinners (anticoagulants), as some may need to be paused before the procedure
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, particularly if a bone marrow sample is being collected
- Consider arranging for someone to accompany you if the bone marrow procedure involves sedation
Step-by-Step Procedure
The BCR/ABL by FISH test involves collecting two sample types: bone marrow and peripheral blood. Here is what to expect:
Bone Marrow Sample Collection
- You will be asked to lie in a specific position to allow access to the hip bone (the back of the large pelvic bone).
- The area is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied to numb the surrounding tissue.
- A specialist inserts a fine needle into the bone marrow and withdraws a small sample, usually around 3 ml, into a sodium heparin (green-top) tube.
Peripheral Blood Sample Collection
- A small blood sample is collected from a vein, typically in the arm, using a standard needle and a sodium heparin tube.
- Both samples are labelled and handled at room temperature; refrigeration or freezing is not permitted, as this can affect accuracy.
- The samples are dispatched to the laboratory, where fluorescent probes are applied, and a specialist examines the cells under a fluorescence microscope.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of your results:
- Storing samples at incorrect temperatures (refrigerated or frozen samples are not acceptable)
- Insufficient cell count in the sample collected
- Low tumour burden, which may occasionally produce a false-negative result
- Variant or complex gene translocations that may need additional testing to confirm
- Delay in sample dispatch after collection
Understanding Your BCR/ABL by FISH Test Results
Your doctor will review your BCR/ABL by FISH test results alongside your symptoms, clinical history, and any other investigations. The table below provides a general guide to result interpretation.
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Negative (Not detected) | No BCR-ABL1 fusion gene found; Philadelphia chromosome is absent |
| Positive (Detected) | BCR-ABL1 fusion gene present; percentage of affected cells will be reported |
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.
BCR/ABL by FISH Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring Results
In patients already receiving treatment, a reduction in the proportion of fusion-positive cells generally indicates a positive response to therapy. A result that remains unchanged or shows an increase in abnormal cells may suggest that the current treatment needs to be reviewed. Quantitative PCR is often preferred for long-term monitoring, as FISH may be less sensitive at very low disease levels.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips support overall well-being during and after treatment:
- Follow your prescribed treatment plan consistently and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly, without waiting for your next routine visit
- Maintain a balanced diet and adequate rest to support your immune system during treatment
Lupin Diagnostics BCR/ABL by FISH Test Price
The BCR/ABL by FISH test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹4,400. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for this test due to the specialised nature of bone marrow sample collection.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4400 |
| CHENNAI | 4400 |
| HYDERABAD | 4400 |
| KOLKATA | 4400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 4400 |
| PUNE | 4400 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your BCR/ABL by FISH test online:
- 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 by FISH test is used to detect the Philadelphia chromosome, an abnormal genetic change resulting from a rearrangement between chromosomes 9 and 22. It helps diagnose blood cancers such as chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), and monitors how well treatment is working.
The test uses bone marrow aspirate as the preferred sample, along with a peripheral blood sample. Both are collected in sodium heparin (green-top) tubes and must be kept at room temperature until they reach the laboratory.
No fasting is needed. You should bring a detailed clinical history to your appointment, and inform your doctor about any medicines you take, especially blood thinners, as some may need to be paused before the bone marrow procedure.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is available within 2 days of sample collection.
No, the BCR/ABL fusion gene is not inherited. It is an acquired genetic change that occurs during a person's lifetime. The exact cause of the chromosomal rearrangement is not fully understood, but it is not passed from parent to child.
Not entirely. FISH performed on peripheral blood cells can sometimes be used as an alternative to bone marrow cytogenetics, particularly when bone marrow sampling is not possible. However, bone marrow aspiration remains the preferred approach for an accurate initial diagnosis.
A positive result means the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene was detected in your cells. This finding is associated with conditions such as CML or Ph-positive ALL. Your doctor will advise on the next steps, which may include additional tests and a discussion of treatment options.
BCR/ABL by FISH Test: Booking, Price, and Results
