BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BCR-ABL1 ddPCR, BCR::ABL1 Digital Droplet PCR, Philadelphia Chromosome Quantification, BCR-ABL1 p210/p190 Quantitative by ddPCR |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 10 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children diagnosed with or suspected of having chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) or Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL) |
| Price | Starting at ₹9,600 |
What is a BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR Test?
The BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR test detects and measures a specific abnormal gene called BCR-ABL1 in a blood sample. This gene forms when parts of chromosomes 9 and 22 swap positions, producing what is known as the Philadelphia chromosome. Doctors order this test to diagnose certain blood cancers and to track how well treatment is working over time. It is also known as BCR-ABL1 ddPCR or Philadelphia Chromosome Quantification.
What Does a BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR Test Measure?
The BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR test procedure uses a technology called Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR), which can precisely count BCR-ABL1 transcripts in a blood sample without relying on reference standards. This makes it highly sensitive for detecting very low levels of disease. The test analyses the following components:
| Component | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| BCR-ABL1 fusion transcripts (RNA) | The abnormal gene message produced by the Philadelphia chromosome |
| p210 transcript (major breakpoint) | The form found in almost all CML cases and in some ALL cases |
| p190 transcript (minor breakpoint) | The form found primarily in Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL |
| BCR-ABL1/ABL1 ratio (% International Scale) | The level of abnormal gene activity expressed as a percentage, standardised for comparison across laboratories |
Why is a BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR Test Done?
This test is ordered both to detect specific blood cancers and to monitor how patients respond to treatment over time.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order the BCR-ABL1 quantification by DD PCR test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue or unexplained weakness
- Night sweats without an obvious cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swelling or discomfort in the upper left part of the abdomen, where the spleen sits
- Shortness of breath with routine activity
- Bone pain
- Frequent infections
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test can help identify or monitor several conditions. These include:
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), also called chronic granulocytic leukaemia
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL)
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), in rare cases
- Eligibility for treatment-free remission in CML patients with sustained deep molecular response
BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
BCR-ABL1 transcript levels are the key marker for tracking minimal residual disease (MRD) in CML patients receiving treatment. The ddPCR method offers greater precision than conventional methods, making it particularly useful for patients who have achieved deep molecular responses and may be candidates for stopping therapy. Monitoring is typically recommended every 3 months as part of ongoing treatment management.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR test. The sections below explain what to do before and during your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No. There is no fasting requirement for this test. You may eat and drink as usual before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being well prepared helps ensure an accurate result. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history record, including your symptoms, previous test results, and current diagnoses, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor or the lab staff about all medications you are currently taking, especially tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which are drugs commonly used to treat CML
- Try to use the same laboratory for repeat tests so that results can be compared accurately over time
- Stay hydrated to make blood collection easier
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes:
- A trained phlebotomist (a person trained to draw blood) will ask you to sit comfortably and roll up your sleeve
- The skin on your inner arm near the elbow will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution
- An elastic band will be tied around your upper arm to make your vein more visible
- A small needle will be used to draw 10 ml of blood from the vein into a specialised collection tube
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed on the site
- The labelled sample is stored at the correct temperature and sent to the laboratory for ddPCR analysis
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can affect the reliability of this test. Be aware of the following:
- Delays in sample transport, as RNA (the material measured) is fragile and can degrade quickly if the sample is not handled promptly
- Using a heparin-based blood collection tube, which cannot be used for this test, as it interferes with the PCR process
- Poor RNA quality due to incorrect storage or temperature exposure
- Inconsistent testing across different laboratories, which can make it harder to compare results over time
Understanding Your BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR Test Results
Your results will show the level of BCR-ABL1 transcripts in your blood, expressed as a percentage on the International Scale (IS). This scale allows results to be compared across different labs worldwide. The table below outlines the key response milestones used in clinical practice.
| Response Category | BCR-ABL1 Level (% IS) | What It Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline (at diagnosis) | Typically above 10% | Starting reference point before treatment |
| Major Molecular Response (MMR or MR3) | 0.1% or below | Significant reduction in cancer cell activity |
| Deep Molecular Response (MR4) | 0.01% or below | 4-log reduction from baseline |
| Deep Molecular Response (MR4.5) | 0.0032% or below | 4.5-log reduction from baseline |
| Complete Molecular Response (MR5) | 0.001% or below | 5-log reduction from baseline |
| Not Detected | Negative | No BCR-ABL1 transcripts found in the sample |
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 situations can influence how results should be read. Your doctor will take these into account:
- Blood and bone marrow samples taken at the same time usually show similar BCR-ABL1 levels, but occasional differences between the two can occur for biological or technical reasons.
- If the RNA in the sample degrades due to handling or transport issues, the result may not accurately reflect the true level of disease activity.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While treatment decisions rest entirely with your doctor, the following general steps support the monitoring process:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so that changes in BCR-ABL1 levels can be tracked consistently
- Take any prescribed medications as directed and do not stop or change doses without medical guidance
- Report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare team without delay
Lupin Diagnostics BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR Test Price
The BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹9,600. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 9600 |
| CHENNAI | 9600 |
| HYDERABAD | 9600 |
| KOLKATA | 9600 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 9600 |
| PUNE | 9600 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking the BCR-ABL1 quantification by DD PCR test online is straightforward:
- 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
Both methods measure BCR-ABL1 transcript levels, but ddPCR is more precise. It provides an absolute count of transcripts without needing reference standards and can detect lower levels of residual disease, which is especially useful when monitoring patients in deep molecular response.
Once a major molecular response has been achieved, testing is generally recommended every 3 months for 2 years, and every 3 to 6 months after that. Your haematologist will advise on the schedule that suits your situation.
The International Scale (IS) is a standardised reporting system that allows BCR-ABL1 results to be compared across different laboratories globally. Reporting on the IS means that results from one lab can be meaningfully compared with results from another, which is important for tracking your progress over time.
Yes. A falling BCR-ABL1 level over successive tests generally indicates that treatment is reducing the number of abnormal cells. If the level rises, your doctor may review whether a change in treatment is needed.
Deep molecular response refers to very low levels of BCR-ABL1 transcripts after treatment. Specifically, MR4 means levels at or below 0.01% IS, and MR4.5 means levels at or below 0.0032% IS. Achieving these levels may open options such as discussing treatment-free remission with your doctor.
No fasting is needed, but you must bring a detailed clinical history report, including information about your diagnosis, previous test results, and any medications you are taking. This documentation is required to process the test accurately.
The ddPCR method can detect BCR-ABL1 transcripts at levels as low as 0.001%, making it one of the most sensitive tools available for monitoring minimal residual disease in CML and Ph+ ALL patients.
BCR-ABL1 Quantification by DD PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
