BCR/ABL Qualitative RT PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About BCR/ABL Qualitative RT PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BCR-ABL RT-PCR, Philadelphia Chromosome Test, BCR-ABL1 Qualitative, t(9;22) RT-PCR, BCR-ABL Fusion Gene Test |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood or bone marrow |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 6 days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of all ages |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,300 |
What Is a BCR/ABL Qualitative RT PCR Test?
The BCR/ABL qualitative RT PCR test detects the presence or absence of an abnormal fusion gene called BCR-ABL1 in a patient's blood or bone marrow. This gene forms when two chromosomes, chromosomes 9 and 22, exchange pieces with each other. Doctors order this test when they suspect certain types of blood cancer, particularly chronic myeloid leukaemia or a specific form of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The test is also known as the Philadelphia Chromosome Test or BCR-ABL RT-PCR.
What Does a BCR/ABL Qualitative RT PCR Test Measure?
The BCR/ABL qualitative RT PCR test procedure uses a method called Real Time PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) to analyse RNA from blood or bone marrow cells. It identifies whether the abnormal BCR-ABL1 fusion gene is present and, if so, which specific transcript type has been produced.
The key findings of this test report are listed below.
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| BCR-ABL1 fusion gene presence | Whether the abnormal gene formed by chromosomes 9 and 22 is detected |
| Transcript type p210 | Associated with the e13a2 or e14a2 mRNA variants; commonly seen in CML |
| Transcript type p190 | Associated with the e1a2 or e1a3 mRNA variants; commonly seen in Ph+ ALL |
| Philadelphia chromosome status | Whether the characteristic chromosome 22 abnormality is present |
Knowing which transcript type is present helps doctors choose the correct follow-up test for ongoing assessment.
Why Is a BCR/ABL Qualitative RT PCR Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to confirm or rule out specific blood cancers linked to the BCR-ABL1 gene abnormality.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- Persistent fatigue and weakness due to reduced red blood cells (anaemia)
- Frequent infections caused by low normal white blood cell counts
- Unusual bruising or bleeding linked to low platelet levels
- Unexplained weight loss over a short period
- Night sweats without an obvious cause
- Abdominal discomfort or a feeling of fullness, often due to an enlarged spleen
- Bone pain or fever with no clear explanation
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A positive result from this test may indicate one of the following conditions:
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), a type of blood cancer; the BCR-ABL1 abnormality is found in over 95% of CML patients
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL)
- In rare cases, acute myeloid leukaemia or T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward. No special dietary changes are needed, but a few practical steps will help ensure a smooth experience.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the BCR/ABL qualitative RT PCR test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any existing diagnosis, as this is required for the test
- Inform the doctor or phlebotomist about all medications you are currently taking, as some drugs may affect results
- Wear clothing with loose or short sleeves to allow easy access for blood collection
- Stay well hydrated before the test, as this makes blood collection easier
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test may use either a peripheral blood sample or a bone marrow sample. Your doctor will decide which is appropriate for your situation.
If a peripheral blood sample is collected:
- A trained phlebotomist will confirm your identity and review your clinical history before beginning.
- A clean needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm into a lavender-top EDTA tube (3 ml).
- The sample is labelled with your details and the time of collection.
- The sample is kept refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C during storage and transport.
- In the laboratory, the sample is analysed using Real Time PCR technology to detect the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene.
- Your report is prepared and delivered within 6 days.
If a bone marrow sample is collected:
- The procedure is performed by a specialist at a Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- A small amount of bone marrow (3 ml) is collected using a needle, typically from the hip bone, after the area is numbed with local anaesthetic.
- The sample is placed in a sodium heparin (green-top) tube, labelled, and sent to the laboratory under refrigerated conditions.
- Real-time PCR analysis is then carried out, with results available within 6 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of your result:
- Poor sample quality or delays in reaching the laboratory beyond 48 to 72 hours
- Improper storage temperature during transit
- Degraded RNA within the sample
- Certain medications that interfere with gene expression
- Insufficient clinical history was provided at the time of testing
Understanding Your BCR/ABL Qualitative RT PCR Test Results
Results from this test are reported as either "Detected" (positive) or "Not Detected" (negative). Your doctor will review your result alongside your symptoms, blood counts, and clinical history before drawing any conclusions.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Not Detected (Negative) | No BCR-ABL1 fusion gene found; CML is unlikely |
| Detected (Positive) with p210 transcript | Fusion gene present; commonly associated with CML |
| Detected (Positive) with p190 transcript | Fusion gene present; commonly associated with Ph+ ALL |
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.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test detects an acquired genetic change and is not influenced by lifestyle. However, the general points below support your overall well-being.
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support immune function
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments if you have been referred to a haematologist
- Avoid self-medicating or stopping prescribed medications without consulting your doctor
Lupin Diagnostics BCR/ABL Qualitative RT PCR Test Price
The BCR/ABL qualitative RT PCR test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹3,300. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test. City-wise indicative prices are listed below.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 3300 |
| CHENNAI | 3300 |
| HYDERABAD | 3300 |
| KOLKATA | 3300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 3300 |
| PUNE | 3300 |
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 qualitative RT PCR 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 6 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BCR/ABL qualitative RT PCR test detects whether the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene is present or absent and identifies the transcript type. The quantitative test measures how much of the gene is present and is used to monitor treatment response over time. Your doctor will typically order the qualitative test first, and the result then guides which quantitative assay is appropriate.
Identifying the transcript type helps direct the correct follow-up quantitative test for ongoing monitoring. Different transcript types are also associated with different conditions; for instance, p210 is more common in CML, while p190 is more often linked to Ph+ ALL. This information helps your haematologist plan the most appropriate course of action.
Yes. Both peripheral blood (drawn from a vein in the arm) and bone marrow can be used for the BCR/ABL qualitative RT PCR test procedure. Your doctor will decide which sample type is most suitable based on your clinical condition and the information needed.
No. The BCR-ABL1 gene abnormality is an acquired change, meaning it develops during a person's lifetime and is not passed down from parents. It results from a chromosomal rearrangement that occurs in certain cells after birth.
This qualitative test is designed for initial diagnosis, not for routine treatment monitoring. Once a positive result is confirmed and the transcript type is identified, your doctor will typically order a quantitative BCR-ABL test to track how well treatment is working over time.
Bring a detailed clinical history, including information about your symptoms, any previous blood test results, and details of your current medications. Clinical history is required for this test. A referral letter or prescription from your doctor is also recommended.
Unlike routine blood tests that measure counts or chemical levels, the BCR/ABL qualitative RT PCR test looks for a specific genetic change at the molecular level using Real Time PCR technology. This makes it a specialised test that requires advanced laboratory processing, which is why it takes up to 6 days to receive results.
BCR/ABL Qualitative RT PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
