BCR/ABL Quantitative (International Scale) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About BCR/ABL Quantitative (International Scale) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BCR-ABL1 Quantitative IS, BCR-ABL IS, BCR-ABL p210 Quantitative, Philadelphia Chromosome PCR, BCR-ABL RQ-PCR |
| Sample Type | Whole blood or bone marrow in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 6 days |
| Recommended For | Adults diagnosed with CML or Ph+ ALL; used for ongoing treatment monitoring |
| Price | Starting at ₹6,500 |
What is a BCR/ABL Quantitative (International Scale) Test?
The BCR/ABL quantitative (international scale) test is a highly sensitive molecular test that detects an abnormal gene fusion linked to certain blood cancers. It is performed using a technique called real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) on a blood or bone marrow sample. Doctors typically order this test to diagnose chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) or Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL), and to monitor how well treatment is working. It is also known as the BCR-ABL1 Quantitative IS or BCR-ABL RQ-PCR.
What Does a BCR/ABL Quantitative (International Scale) Test Measure?
This test analyses the level of BCR-ABL1 fusion gene transcripts in your blood or bone marrow. Results are reported on a standardised International Scale (IS) to allow consistent comparison across different laboratories and over time.
The key parameters measured are listed below.
| Parameter | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| BCR-ABL1 fusion gene transcript level | The amount of abnormal genetic material present in the sample |
| p210 fusion protein transcripts | Specific BCR-ABL1 fusion forms (e13/a2 and e14/a2) that produce the p210 protein |
| BCR-ABL1 to ABL1 ratio (IS) | The normalised ratio of the fusion gene, reported on the International Scale |
Why is a BCR/ABL Quantitative (International Scale) Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a BCR-ABL1-related blood cancer or needs to track how a patient is responding to treatment. The sections below explain the common reasons in more detail.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may lead a doctor to request this test, particularly if a blood disorder is suspected.
- Persistent fatigue or unexplained weakness
- Night sweats that occur without an obvious cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal swelling or discomfort, especially on the upper left side (where the spleen is located)
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount
- Shortness of breath
- Bone pain
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify or monitor the following conditions.
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), a type of blood cancer present in most people who have the Philadelphia chromosome
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL)
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), in rare cases
- Minimal residual disease (MRD), which refers to small amounts of cancer remaining after treatment
- Resistance to treatment, indicated by rising BCR-ABL1 levels
BCR/ABL Quantitative (International Scale) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Patients on tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy require regular monitoring of BCR-ABL1 transcript levels using quantitative real-time PCR. This has become an essential part of managing CML over the long term. Guidelines recommend testing every 3 months for the first 3 years of therapy and every 3 to 6 months thereafter to assess treatment response at each milestone.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward. The steps below cover everything you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the BCR/ABL quantitative test. You may eat and drink normally before the sample is collected.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help ensure your visit goes smoothly and that your sample is suitable for testing.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any prior BCR-ABL1 reports, as this is required for the test
- Inform the doctor or phlebotomist about all medications you are currently taking, including any TKI therapy
- Carry any previous BCR-ABL quantitative test results to help track trends over time
- Ensure the collected sample reaches the laboratory promptly, as RNA quality can decline with delay
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test may use a peripheral blood sample, a bone marrow sample, or both. The collection process for each is described below.
Peripheral Blood Collection:
- A healthcare professional will clean a vein in your arm with an antiseptic swab.
- A small amount of blood (approximately 3 ml) is drawn using a needle into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- The tube is gently inverted several times to mix the sample with the anticoagulant.
- The needle is removed, and a small dressing is applied to your arm.
- The sample is labelled and stored in a refrigerator (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) before being dispatched to the laboratory.
Bone Marrow Collection:
- A doctor will clean and numb the skin over the bone marrow site, usually the hip bone.
- A special needle is inserted to collect approximately 3 ml of bone marrow into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- The site is covered with a small dressing after collection.
- The sample is labelled, stored refrigerated, and sent to the laboratory without freezing.
- The laboratory tests the sample using real-time PCR to detect and measure the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of this test's results.
- Delays between sample collection and laboratory processing, which can degrade RNA quality
- Use of an incorrect tube type (heparin tubes cannot be used, as heparin inhibits the PCR process)
- Low BCR-ABL1 levels in the sample, where variability between runs can be higher
- Poor RNA extraction quality at the laboratory stage
Understanding Your BCR/ABL Quantitative (International Scale) Test Results
Results from the BCR/ABL quantitative (international scale) test are expressed as a percentage on the International Scale. Your doctor will review them alongside your clinical history and treatment timeline.
| Milestone or Response Level | BCR-ABL1 IS Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Early Molecular Response (3 months) | 10% or below | Optimal early response to treatment |
| 6-Month Milestone | 1% or below | Good treatment response at 6 months |
| Major Molecular Response (MMR / MR3) | 0.1% or below | Significant reduction in disease activity (3-log reduction) |
| Deep Molecular Response (MR4) | 0.01% or below | Very deep response (4-log reduction) |
| Deep Molecular Response (MR4.5) | 0.0032% or below | Very deep response (4.5-log reduction) |
| Negative / Undetectable | Not detected | Below the detection limit of the assay |
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
Certain circumstances can affect how results are interpreted.
RNA quality in EDTA blood tubes can deteriorate if there is a long gap between sample collection and laboratory processing. In samples with very low BCR-ABL1 levels, such delays may cause sufficient RNA degradation to produce a falsely negative result. At very low BCR-ABL1 levels, the precision of the assay is also more variable, with inter-run variation of up to plus or minus 0.5 log.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness tips support consistent treatment monitoring.
- Take any prescribed TKI medications consistently and at the scheduled time each day, as directed by your oncologist
- Attend all follow-up appointments and monitoring tests at the recommended intervals
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare team without delay
Lupin Diagnostics BCR/ABL Quantitative (International Scale) Test Price
The BCR/ABL quantitative test is priced starting at ₹6,500 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 6500 |
| CHENNAI | 6500 |
| HYDERABAD | 6500 |
| KOLKATA | 6500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 6500 |
| PUNE | 6500 |
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 quantitative test online at Lupin Diagnostics.
- 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
This test detects and measures the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene in blood or bone marrow. It is used to diagnose CML and Ph+ ALL, monitor how well treatment is working, and detect any remaining disease after therapy.
Guidelines recommend the BCR/ABL quantitative test every 3 months during the first 3 years of treatment, and every 3 to 6 months after that. Your doctor will advise on the exact frequency based on your treatment response.
A major molecular response (MMR, also called MR3) means your BCR-ABL1 level has fallen to 0.1% or below on the International Scale. This indicates a significant reduction in disease activity and generally reflects that treatment is working well.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as normal before your sample is collected. There are no dietary restrictions for this test.
A qualitative test is generally used at the time of initial diagnosis to confirm the presence of the BCR-ABL1 gene. The BCR/ABL quantitative (international scale) test precisely measures transcript levels and is used for ongoing treatment monitoring, as it is far more sensitive for tracking changes over time.
The International Scale standardises how BCR-ABL1 levels are reported across different laboratories. This means your results can be meaningfully compared over time, even if your test is carried out at different centres.
Yes. A rising BCR-ABL1 level or a level that fails to reach the expected milestone may indicate that the disease is not responding well to current therapy. Your doctor will use this information alongside other findings to decide whether any changes to your treatment plan are needed.
BCR/ABL Quantitative (International Scale) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
