FISH-11q23 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About FISH-11q23 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | KMT2A FISH, MLL Gene Rearrangement FISH, LSI MLL Break-apart FISH, 11q23 Rearrangement FISH, Mixed Lineage Leukaemia FISH, KMT2A Gene Rearrangement |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate (preferred) or peripheral blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, males and females; commonly ordered for infants with suspected leukaemia and patients with acute leukaemia |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,500 |
What is a FISH-11q23 Test?
The FISH-11q23 test detects rearrangements of the KMT2A gene (also known as the MLL or Mixed Lineage Leukaemia gene) located on chromosome 11q23. It uses fluorescent DNA probes to identify whether this gene has broken apart or rearranged. Doctors order it when leukaemia is suspected or confirmed, to guide diagnosis, classify disease type, and track treatment response. The test requires either a bone marrow sample or a peripheral blood sample.
What Does a FISH-11q23 Test Measure?
The FISH-11q23 test procedure examines cells for specific changes in the KMT2A gene using a technique called fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). Fluorescent probes attach to the gene region, and a specialist analyses the signal patterns under a microscope to identify any break or rearrangement.
The test evaluates the following:
| Parameter | What It Detects |
|---|---|
| KMT2A (MLL) Gene Rearrangement | Whether the MLL gene on chromosome 11q23 has broken apart or rearranged |
| Percentage of Abnormal Cells | Proportion of cells showing the rearrangement, compared against the laboratory's cutoff value |
Why is a FISH-11q23 Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a blood cancer involving KMT2A gene changes. It plays a key role in confirming diagnosis, understanding disease severity, and planning treatment.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test. These include:
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin and shortness of breath
- Easy bruising or abnormal bleeding
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Tiny red or purple spots on the skin (petechiae)
- Frequent infections or recurring fevers
- Slow-healing sores
- Persistent bone or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen or liver
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can support the diagnosis of several blood disorders. These include:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a cancer affecting lymphoid white blood cells
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a cancer affecting myeloid white blood cells
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), where blood cells fail to mature properly
- Mixed lineage (biphenotypic) leukaemia, which carries features of both lymphoid and myeloid cancers
- Therapy-related leukaemia, which can develop after chemotherapy for another cancer
FISH-11q23 Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Once a KMT2A rearrangement is identified, the FISH-11q23 test may be repeated during treatment to monitor how well the disease is responding. It can also help detect minimal residual disease (small numbers of remaining cancer cells) and identify early signs of relapse. Your haematologist will decide how often monitoring is needed based on your treatment plan.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for the FISH-11q23 test is straightforward. No fasting is required, but there are a few practical steps to follow.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is needed before this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of sample collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure the sample is collected and processed correctly. Please keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including any chemotherapy drugs
- Stay calm before the procedure; bone marrow aspiration may cause brief discomfort, but it is over quickly
- Ensure the sample reaches the laboratory promptly, as specimens must arrive within 24 hours of collection
Step-by-Step Procedure
The FISH-11q23 test procedure involves collecting either a bone marrow or a blood sample. Both collection types are described below.
Bone Marrow Sample Collection:
- A doctor cleans and numbs the skin over the hip bone or another suitable site.
- A specialised needle is inserted to draw approximately 3 ml of bone marrow aspirate.
- The sample is placed into a sodium heparin (green top) tube and labelled clearly.
- The sample is kept refrigerated between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius and dispatched to the laboratory promptly.
- In the laboratory, fluorescent probes are applied to the cells, and at least 200 cells are examined under a microscope.
Peripheral Blood Sample Collection:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin over a vein in your arm.
- A small blood sample of approximately 3 ml is drawn into an EDTA (lavender top) tube.
- The sample is labelled and stored at the correct temperature for transport.
- It is sent to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection for FISH analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may affect the reliability of results. These include:
- Poor sample quality due to clotting or freezing of the specimen
- Delay between collection and laboratory processing
- Use of an incorrect anticoagulant tube
- Insufficient number of cells available for analysis
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation, which can alter cell characteristics
Understanding Your FISH-11q23 Test Results
Results from the FISH-11q23 test are interpreted by a specialist in cytogenetics or haematology. The table below outlines general reference values, though each laboratory establishes its own cutoff levels.
| Parameter | Normal Result | Positive Result |
|---|---|---|
| KMT2A (MLL) Gene Rearrangement | No rearrangement detected; fusion signals intact | Rearrangement or break-apart signal present |
| Percentage of Abnormal Cells | Below laboratory-established cutoff (typically below 3 to 5%) | Above the laboratory's normal cutoff value |
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.
A positive result means that the MLL gene has rearranged, which may be associated with acute leukaemia, therapy-related leukaemia, or infant leukaemia.
A negative result indicates no rearrangement was detected, though it does not rule out all possible blood disorders.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances can influence how results are interpreted. These include:
- Patients who have previously received topoisomerase II inhibitors (such as etoposide or teniposide) as part of cancer treatment may have a higher likelihood of showing 11q23 rearrangements.
- In infants with leukaemia, KMT2A rearrangements are found in more than 50% of cases, regardless of the specific type of leukaemia present.
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy can increase the chance of a positive finding.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test identifies genetic changes rather than levels that can be adjusted through lifestyle, there are steps patients can take to support their overall well-being during monitoring:
- Follow your haematologist's schedule for regular check-ups and repeat testing as recommended.
- Discuss any concerns about treatment side effects or relapse risk openly with your oncology team.
- Maintain a balanced diet and adequate rest to support your body during treatment and recovery.
Lupin Diagnostics FISH-11q23 Test Price
The FISH-11q23 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹4,500. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or a hospital facility, as home collection is not available due to the specialised sample requirements.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4500 |
| CHENNAI | 4500 |
| HYDERABAD | 4500 |
| KOLKATA | 4500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 4500 |
| PUNE | 4500 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your FISH-11q23 test online is simple and takes just a few 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 the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FISH-11q23 test detects rearrangements in the KMT2A (MLL) gene, which are commonly associated with certain types of acute leukaemia. It helps doctors confirm a diagnosis, classify the type of leukaemia, and plan the most appropriate treatment. It may also be used to monitor disease during and after therapy.
KMT2A gene rearrangements are found in more than 50% of infant leukaemias, making this test especially relevant for very young patients. In infants, these rearrangements are present in the vast majority of cases, including those with apparently normal chromosomes on routine testing. Early detection can help guide treatment decisions promptly.
The test uses either a bone marrow aspirate or a peripheral blood sample. Bone marrow is the preferred sample as it typically contains a higher proportion of leukaemic cells, which improves the accuracy of analysis.
Results are generally available within 3 days at Lupin Diagnostics. Turnaround time may vary depending on specimen quality and laboratory workload. Your doctor will notify you once the report is ready.
A positive result indicates that the KMT2A gene has been rearranged. This finding is associated with acute leukaemia and, in many cases, a more aggressive disease course. However, the specific outlook depends on the fusion partner gene involved. Your doctor will discuss what the result means for your individual situation.
Yes, peripheral blood is an acceptable alternative when bone marrow aspiration is not possible. However, bone marrow aspirate is preferred because it generally provides a more representative sample of leukaemic cells, leading to more reliable results.
No, the FISH-11q23 test home collection is not available. The specialised nature of bone marrow aspiration and the strict handling requirements for both sample types mean that collection must take place at a qualified centre or hospital. Please visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre to arrange sample collection.
FISH-11q23 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
