Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) Blood/Bone marrow: Booking, Price, and Results
About Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) Blood/Bone marrow: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | del(11q), 11q22.3 deletion, ATM deletion (CLL), CLL FISH for 11q, del11q ATM |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate or peripheral blood in sodium heparin (green-top) tube |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults diagnosed with or suspected of having chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL); more common in adults aged 60 and above and in males |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,600 |
What is a Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) Blood/Bone marrow?
The Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) blood/bone marrow test looks for a specific chromosomal change in cells linked to chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a type of blood cancer. It detects the loss of a segment on chromosome 11 at position q22.3, where the ATM gene sits. Doctors order this test to understand the nature of CLL and guide treatment decisions. It is also known as del(11q), ATM deletion (CLL), or CLL FISH for 11q.
What Does a Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) Blood/Bone marrow Measure?
The Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) blood/bone marrow test uses a laboratory technique called fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). FISH uses fluorescent probes that attach to specific chromosome regions, allowing scientists to visualise genetic changes under a microscope.
The test evaluates the following:
- 11q22.3 deletion (del11q): Detects the loss of a portion of chromosome 11 at position q22.3, the site of the ATM gene. This deletion is found in roughly 20% of CLL patients.
- ATM gene status: The ATM gene controls how cells repair damaged DNA. When this gene is deleted or altered, cells lose their ability to fix DNA damage properly, which can drive cancer growth and affect how the disease responds to treatment.
Why is a Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) Blood/Bone marrow Done?
This test provides important information about the genetic profile of CLL cells. It helps doctors assess disease severity and plan the right course of action.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test if a patient shows signs that suggest CLL or a related blood disorder. These symptoms include:
- Painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, abdomen, or groin
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Recurrent infections that do not resolve easily
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Petechiae (tiny red or purple dots under the skin caused by minor bleeding)
- An enlarged spleen causing discomfort in the upper left abdomen
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used in the context of CLL evaluation and related blood disorders. It can help identify:
- The presence of an 11q22.3 deletion in CLL cells, which is linked to a more advanced and aggressive disease course
- Bulky lymphadenopathy (significantly enlarged lymph nodes) associated with del11q
- CLL that may be less responsive to standard chemotherapy regimens
- Mantle cell lymphoma presenting as leukaemia (distinguished by specific chromosomal findings on FISH)
Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) Blood/Bone marrow for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Patients with CLL can be monitored over time using this FISH-based test. The 11q deletion may appear 13 to 43 months after an initial diagnosis, so repeat testing at one to two year intervals may be recommended. This test may also be repeated when there is a change in the patient's clinical condition or when new treatment options are being considered.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No complex preparation is needed for this test. Here is what you should know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) blood/bone marrow test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being prepared helps the collection go smoothly and ensures accurate results. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any prior CLL investigations, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or ongoing treatments you are taking.
- If bone marrow collection is planned, wear comfortable, loose clothing for easy access.
- Ask your doctor in advance whether a flow cytometry report or bone marrow pathology report needs to be submitted alongside the sample.
- Arrange transport, as bone marrow aspiration may leave you feeling briefly sore or tired afterwards.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The CLL test procedure differs slightly depending on whether a blood or bone marrow sample is collected. Here is what to expect:
- A healthcare professional will confirm which type of sample is required: peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate.
- For blood collection, a trained phlebotomist will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a sodium heparin (green-top) tube.
- For bone marrow aspiration, the skin and underlying tissue near the hip bone are numbed with a local anaesthetic. A small amount of marrow fluid is then drawn through a needle. The procedure takes a few minutes and may cause brief pressure.
- The sample is labelled, stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, and dispatched to the laboratory promptly.
- In the lab, the sample is prepared and treated with fluorescent probes that attach to the ATM gene region on chromosome 11. Slides are analysed under a fluorescence microscope.
- A cytogenetics specialist reviews at least 200 cells and prepares a report, which is delivered within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the quality and reliability of results:
- Poor sample quality or delayed transport to the laboratory
- Sample collected too long before dispatch (ideally within 24 hours of collection)
- Ongoing cancer treatment at the time of testing
- Stage of CLL and the proportion of abnormal cells in the sample
- Technical factors in laboratory processing, including hybridisation quality
Understanding Your Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) Blood/Bone marrow Results
Results from this test should always be reviewed with a specialist, typically a haematologist or oncologist. The table below shows the standard reference range used for this test.
| Parameter | Expected Finding | Positive (Abnormal) Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| 11q22.3 (ATM) deletion | Not detected (0% of nuclei) | 10% or more of nuclei with deletion (cutoff may vary between 5% and 10% depending on the laboratory) |
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 clinical situations can influence how results are interpreted:
- Patients presenting with a mixed CLL/prolymphocytic or pure prolymphocytic leukaemia picture are more likely to acquire the 11q deletion over time. This change is also associated with splenomegaly (an enlarged spleen).
- Patients with del11q often have a coexisting deletion at chromosome 13q. The proportion of cells carrying del11q (whether high or low) can further affect prognosis and must be considered alongside the overall FISH panel findings.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
For patients living with CLL, these general wellness steps may support overall wellbeing:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your haematologist as advised.
- Eat a balanced diet and engage in moderate physical activity as tolerated, in line with your doctor's guidance.
- Report any new symptoms promptly, including night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or newly enlarged glands.
Lupin Diagnostics Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) Blood/Bone marrow Price
The CLL test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹4,600. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or affiliated collection facility, as home collection is not available for bone marrow or specialised cytogenetic samples.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4600 |
| CHENNAI | 4600 |
| HYDERABAD | 4600 |
| KOLKATA | 4600 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 4600 |
| PUNE | 4600 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
CLL test online booking with Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- 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 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) blood/bone marrow test uses FISH technology to identify a missing segment of chromosome 11 at position q22.3, where the ATM gene is located. The ATM gene helps cells repair damaged DNA, and its loss can affect how CLL develops and responds to treatment.
This test helps doctors identify specific chromosomal changes in CLL cells that are useful in assessing prognosis and predicting when treatment may be needed. Detecting del11q helps a specialist understand the likely disease course and choose the most appropriate treatment approach for the patient.
The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic before the procedure, so major pain is minimised. Some patients experience a brief feeling of pressure or a dull ache during aspiration. Mild soreness at the site may persist for a day or two afterwards.
This CLL test is typically performed at the time of diagnosis. It may be repeated at one to two year intervals, or sooner if there is a change in symptoms or clinical status, or when new treatment options are being evaluated. Your haematologist will advise on the right schedule.
No. While del11q is linked to a more aggressive disease course, several modern treatment regimens have shown good outcomes for patients with this chromosomal change. Targeted therapies have also demonstrated strong results. Your specialist will discuss the best available options based on your full test profile.
Yes. The test can be performed on either a peripheral blood sample or a bone marrow aspirate, both collected in a sodium heparin (green-top) tube. Your doctor will determine which sample type is most appropriate based on your clinical situation.
The del11q ATM test is often part of a broader CLL test panel that includes FISH probes for deletion 13q, trisomy 12, and deletion 17p (TP53). Together, these markers give a fuller picture of the chromosomal changes in CLL cells and help guide treatment planning.
Deletion 11q ATM (CLL) Blood/Bone marrow: Booking, Price, and Results
