BCR-ABL1 Qualitative (p210,p190,p230) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About BCR-ABL1 Qualitative (p210,p190,p230) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BCR-ABL qualitative PCR, Philadelphia chromosome test, BCR-ABL fusion gene test, t(9;22) test, BCR-ABL1 transcript detection |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (venous) or bone marrow aspirate |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 8 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of all ages, both genders; primarily for suspected leukaemia |
| Price | Starting at ₹6,000 |
What is a BCR-ABL1 Qualitative (p210,p190,p230) Test?
The BCR-ABL1 qualitative test detects an abnormal fusion gene formed when segments of chromosome 9 and chromosome 22 break off and swap places. This rearrangement produces the BCR-ABL1 gene, also known as the Philadelphia chromosome. The test checks for three specific variants of this fusion gene: p210, p190, and p230. It is ordered by doctors when leukaemia, particularly chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), is suspected. The sample used is either a peripheral blood draw or a bone marrow aspirate, depending on clinical need.
What Does a BCR-ABL1 Qualitative (p210,p190,p230) Test Measure?
The BCR-ABL1 qualitative (p210,p190,p230) test identifies whether any of the three fusion gene variants are present in the patient's blood or bone marrow. Each variant is linked to different types of leukaemia.
| Variant | Also Called | Primary Association |
|---|---|---|
| p210 | Major breakpoint | Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in approximately 95% of cases |
| p190 | Minor breakpoint | B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL); rarely seen in CML |
| p230 | Micro breakpoint | Rare form of CML (neutrophilic-chronic myeloid leukaemia) |
The test result is reported as either "Detected" (with the specific variant named) or "Not Detected." It does not measure the quantity of the gene transcript; it only confirms its presence or absence.
Why is a BCR-ABL1 Qualitative (p210,p190,p230) Test Done?
Doctors order the BCR-ABL1 qualitative test when a patient's symptoms or blood counts suggest a possible blood cancer. Here are the main reasons it is requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Persistent fatigue or unexplained weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Drenching night sweats
- Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
- A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen (often due to an enlarged spleen)
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent or recurring infections
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used to confirm or rule out specific blood cancers:
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), where 90 to 95% of cases carry the BCR-ABL1 translocation
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL), present in about 30% of adult B-ALL cases
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in rare instances
- T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia or lymphoma in very rare cases
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the BCR-ABL1 qualitative (p210,p190,p230) test. The steps below will help you know what to expect on the day of collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. You may eat and drink normally before the test. There are no dietary restrictions associated with this test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history record, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking
- Stay well-hydrated before your blood collection appointment
- Wear a loose-fitting top or short sleeves for easy access to the arm vein
- If a bone marrow sample is required, your doctor will explain the procedure separately in advance
Step-by-Step Procedure
Peripheral Blood Collection
- A trained phlebotomist will clean a vein in your arm with an antiseptic wipe.
- A small needle is inserted to collect approximately 3 ml of blood into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- You may feel a brief sting when the needle goes in; the draw usually takes less than five minutes.
- The tube is gently inverted several times to mix the blood with the anticoagulant.
- The sample is labelled, stored at 2 to 8°C, and dispatched to the laboratory promptly.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Collection (if required by your doctor)
- A doctor performs the bone marrow aspiration in a clinical setting, typically at the back of the hip bone.
- The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic before the procedure.
- A small amount of bone marrow fluid (approximately 3 ml) is drawn into an EDTA tube.
- The sample is labelled and transported refrigerated to the laboratory within the required time window.
- At the laboratory, RNA is extracted, converted to cDNA, and analysed using the NGS method to detect any BCR-ABL1 fusion transcripts.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following can influence the reliability of the result:
- Poor RNA quality due to improper sample handling or storage
- Use of an incorrect collection tube (must be EDTA/lavender top)
- Delay in transporting the sample beyond 72 hours of collection
- Clotted or haemolysed samples, which are not acceptable
- Storing or transporting the sample at incorrect temperatures
Understanding Your BCR-ABL1 Qualitative (p210,p190,p230) Test Results
Results are reported qualitatively. Your doctor, typically a haematologist or oncologist, will review the findings alongside your clinical history and other investigations.
| Parameter | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| BCR-ABL1 mRNA | Not Detected | No fusion gene found; generally rules out CML and Ph+ ALL |
| BCR-ABL1 mRNA | Detected (p210, p190, or p230 specified) | Fusion gene present; transcript type reported to guide next steps |
A negative result does not completely exclude the presence of very low levels of BCR-ABL1 transcript below the test's detection limit. A positive result identifies the specific variant, which helps guide the choice of monitoring assay going forward.
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 is a diagnostic test rather than a routine wellness screen, but general health habits remain beneficial:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to support overall immune health
- Attend regular health check-ups as advised by your doctor
- Report persistent or unusual symptoms, such as ongoing fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or frequent infections, to your doctor without delay
Lupin Diagnostics BCR-ABL1 Qualitative (p210,p190,p230) Test Price
The BCR-ABL1 qualitative test is priced starting at ₹6,000 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 6000 |
| CHENNAI | 6000 |
| HYDERABAD | 6000 |
| KOLKATA | 6000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 6000 |
| PUNE | 6000 |
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 schedule your BCR-ABL1 qualitative 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-ABL1 qualitative test is used for the initial diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). It detects whether the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene is present and identifies which of the three variants (p210, p190, or p230) is involved. This information helps doctors confirm a diagnosis and plan next steps.
The Philadelphia chromosome is the name given to the altered chromosome 22 that results when segments of chromosomes 9 and 22 exchange places. This rearrangement creates the abnormal BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. It was first identified in Philadelphia, which is how it got its name.
No fasting is required before this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment. However, do bring a complete clinical history report, as the laboratory requires it for processing.
The BCR-ABL1 qualitative test only confirms whether the fusion gene is present or absent. It does not measure how much of the transcript is in the blood. The quantitative test, by contrast, measures exact levels and is used to track how well a patient is responding to treatment over time.
The blood draw itself takes less than five minutes. Report delivery takes approximately 8 days. If a reflexed quantitative test is triggered by a positive result, the turnaround time may extend further.
A positive result means the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene was detected in your sample. The report will specify which variant (p210, p190, or p230) is present. If a common p210 or p190 variant is found, a quantitative test may be added to establish a baseline level for monitoring. Your doctor will explain the next steps based on your full clinical picture.
No. The qualitative test is designed for initial diagnosis only. It confirms whether the fusion gene is present but does not measure its level. For ongoing treatment monitoring and detection of residual disease, doctors use the quantitative BCR-ABL1 test, which tracks changes in transcript levels over time.
BCR-ABL1 Qualitative (p210,p190,p230) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
