BCR-ABL1 Minor Quantitative Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About BCR-ABL1 Minor Quantitative Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BCR-ABL1 p190 Quantitative, BCR-ABL1 Minor Breakpoint Quantitative PCR, p190 BCR::ABL1 Monitoring Assay, e1a2 Transcript Quantitative Test |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (EDTA tube) or bone marrow aspirate |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 4 Days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) or p190-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,800 |
What is a BCR-ABL1 Minor Quantitative Test?
The BCR-ABL1 minor quantitative test measures the level of a specific abnormal gene fusion in a patient's blood or bone marrow. It detects and quantifies the p190 isoform of the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene transcript using a highly sensitive technique called real-time PCR (a method that copies and measures specific genetic material). Also known as the BCR-ABL1 p190 quantitative or e1a2 transcript test, it is typically ordered by a haematologist or oncologist. A peripheral blood sample collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube, or a bone marrow aspirate, is used.
What Does a BCR-ABL1 Minor Quantitative Test Measure?
This test analyses the genetic material in your blood or bone marrow to detect and quantify the p190 BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript. Here is what the test reports:
| Component | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| BCR-ABL1 p190 (e1a2) fusion transcript | Whether the abnormal gene fusion is present and at what level |
| BCR-ABL1 to ABL1 ratio (NCN%) | The proportion of abnormal transcripts compared to a reference gene, expressed as a percentage |
| Reportable range | Quantifiable between 0.005% and 25%; values outside this range are reported as positive but above or below the measurable limit |
Only changes of 0.5 log or greater in the BCR-ABL1 to ABL1 ratio are considered medically significant. Smaller fluctuations may not reflect a true change in disease status.
Why is a BCR-ABL1 Minor Quantitative Test Done?
Doctors order the BCR-ABL1 minor quantitative test to diagnose, monitor, or assess the treatment response in certain leukaemia types. The sections below explain the specific reasons in more detail.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test if a patient presents with any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness that does not improve with rest
- Bone pain, particularly in the limbs or spine
- Unexplained fever or recurrent infections that do not clear up
- Unusual bruising or bleeding, including heavy or frequent episodes
- Shortness of breath or dizziness
- Pale skin (suggestive of anaemia, meaning low red blood cell levels)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The BCR-ABL1 p190 quantitative test is used for the following conditions:
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), including childhood and adult ALL
- Rare cases of p190-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), where the minor breakpoint occurs as the sole transcript
- Minimal residual disease (MRD), meaning very small amounts of leukaemia cells that remain after treatment
- Monitoring of treatment response during tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy
BCR-ABL1 Minor Quantitative Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in the long-term management of Ph+ leukaemia. Repeat testing every 3 months is recommended for all patients on TKI therapy, with specific response milestones assessed at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The test tracks whether treatment is working, detects early signs of relapse, and guides decisions about continuing or changing therapy.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The BCR-ABL1 minor quantitative test procedure is straightforward, though the sample handling requirements are strict. The sections below explain what to do before and during your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. If you are scheduled for other tests on the same day, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Preparing well helps ensure an accurate result. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous BCR-ABL1 test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform the laboratory or your doctor if you are currently taking any tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) medications
- Drink enough water before your appointment to stay hydrated, as this makes blood collection easier
- Wear clothing with loose sleeves for easy access to your arm during blood collection
- Arrive on time, as the sample must reach the laboratory within 48 hours of collection due to RNA instability (RNA, the genetic material measured, degrades quickly)
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test may involve a blood sample, a bone marrow sample, or both, depending on your doctor's instructions.
Peripheral Blood Collection:
- A healthcare professional cleans the skin at the inner elbow with an antiseptic wipe.
- A tourniquet is applied briefly to help make the vein more visible.
- A small blood sample (3 ml) is drawn into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- The tourniquet is removed, and a small bandage is placed over the site.
- The sample is stored at refrigerated temperature (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) and dispatched promptly to the laboratory.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Collection (if required):
- A doctor performs the procedure at a clinical centre under local anaesthesia.
- A small amount of bone marrow (3 ml) is aspirated, usually from the hip bone.
- The sample is collected into a sodium heparin (green-top) tube and refrigerated immediately.
- The sample is dispatched to the laboratory without delay, as prompt transport is essential.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the reliability of your test result:
- Delayed transport, as specimens older than 48 to 72 hours may fail testing due to RNA breakdown
- Freezing the sample, which is not acceptable, can invalidate results
- A low white blood cell count in the sample, which may affect detection
- Not disclosing current TKI medications, which can affect the result interpretation
- Testing at a laboratory without validated molecular assay procedures
Understanding Your BCR-ABL1 Minor Quantitative Test Results
Your results are reported as a ratio and interpreted in the context of your treatment history. A doctor, typically a haematologist or oncologist, should always review your results before any decisions are made.
| Parameter | Expected in Healthy Individuals | Significance When Detected |
|---|---|---|
| BCR-ABL1 p190 transcript | Not detected | Presence indicates Ph+ leukaemia or residual disease |
| BCR-ABL1 to ABL1 ratio | Not applicable (not present) | Levels below 0.0025% indicate deep molecular response |
| Quantifiable range | Not applicable | Values of 0.005% to 25% are precisely measured |
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
Different health conditions can affect how results should be read:
Only changes of 0.5 log or greater in the BCR-ABL1 to ABL1 ratio should be considered clinically meaningful. Smaller changes may reflect normal assay variation rather than true disease activity. When the p190 value exceeds 10% or falls below 0.02%, the result is reported as positive but outside the precise measurement range.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
For patients already on treatment, these general wellness habits support consistent monitoring:
- Attend all scheduled blood tests and specialist appointments, especially the recommended 3-monthly monitoring checks
- Take prescribed TKI medications consistently and at the same time each day as directed by your haematologist
- Report any new or worsening symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, or unusual bruising, to your healthcare team without delay
Lupin Diagnostics BCR-ABL1 Minor Quantitative Test Price
The BCR-ABL1 minor quantitative test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹4,800. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available due to the strict sample handling and cold chain transport requirements.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4800 |
| CHENNAI | 4800 |
| HYDERABAD | 4800 |
| KOLKATA | 4800 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 4800 |
| PUNE | 4800 |
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-ABL1 minor quantitative 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 minor breakpoint produces the p190 fusion protein and is most commonly associated with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The major breakpoint produces the p210 protein and is the primary marker in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Your doctor will order the appropriate test based on your specific diagnosis.
Repeat testing every 3 months is generally recommended for all patients on TKI therapy. Your haematologist will determine the exact schedule based on your treatment phase and how well you are responding.
A positive result confirms the presence of the BCR-ABL1 p190 fusion transcript in your blood or bone marrow. The measured level helps your doctor understand how active the disease is and how effectively the current treatment is working.
This test uses a real-time PCR method that requires strict cold chain transport and laboratory-grade equipment. The sample must reach the lab within 48 hours of collection to prevent RNA degradation, which makes home collection impractical for this test.
Not necessarily. Peripheral blood is often sufficient for monitoring purposes. However, your doctor may request a bone marrow aspirate at certain stages of treatment or diagnosis to get a more detailed picture.
Rising BCR-ABL1 transcript levels may suggest a reduced response to the current therapy and an increased likelihood of disease relapse. Your doctor may order further mutation analysis and review whether your treatment plan needs to be adjusted.
Results are typically available within four days of the sample being received and processed at the laboratory. Complex cases may occasionally take longer, and your doctor will inform you if additional time is needed.
BCR-ABL1 Minor Quantitative Test: Booking, Price, and Results
