FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IGH/BCL2 Translocation FISH, t(14;18) FISH Test, BCL2/IgH Fusion Test, Follicular Lymphoma FISH, BCL2/IGH Translocation t(14;18) Analysis |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate, peripheral blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 8 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender with suspected lymphoma; more common in individuals over 50 years |
| Price | Starting at ₹8,400 |
What is a FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) Test?
The FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) test is a specialised genetic test that looks for a specific chromosomal change in blood or bone marrow cells. It uses fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), a laboratory technique that attaches fluorescent probes to detect genetic rearrangements at a cellular level. This test is typically prescribed by a haematologist or oncologist when lymphoma is suspected. It is also known as the IGH/BCL2 Translocation FISH or BCL2/IgH Fusion Test.
What Does a FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) Test Measure?
This test identifies a chromosomal rearrangement called the t(14;18) translocation, where material from chromosome 14 and chromosome 18 switches places. The following components are assessed during analysis.
| Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| t(14;18) translocation | A rearrangement that places the BCL2 gene next to the IgH gene, causing abnormal cell survival |
| BCL2 gene overexpression | The BCL2 gene (which normally helps prevent cell death) becomes overactive, allowing abnormal B-cells to accumulate |
| IgH/BCL2 fusion signal | Detected under a fluorescence microscope; a positive fusion signal confirms the translocation is present |
Why is a FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to confirm a suspected diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma or assess how a patient is responding to treatment. Below are the key reasons a doctor may prescribe this test.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test.
- Painless swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin due to enlarged lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss without a change in diet or activity
- Persistent fever without an obvious cause
- Night sweats that are drenching and recurrent
- Severe fatigue that comes on suddenly and does not improve with rest
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Breathlessness or chest pain
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can support the diagnosis of several B-cell lymphomas. These include the following.
- Follicular lymphoma (FL), where the t(14;18) translocation is found in approximately 85% of cases
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which appears in roughly 15 to 30% of cases
- High-grade B-cell lymphomas with multiple genetic rearrangements (double or triple-hit lymphomas)
- Other B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL)
FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test is not only used for initial diagnosis. It can also track whether treatment is working by detecting the IGH/BCL2 fusion in follow-up samples. In patients already confirmed to have the t(14;18) translocation, monitoring residual levels of the translocation helps doctors assess the depth of response to therapy.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test involves sample collection from bone marrow or peripheral blood, usually under the supervision of a specialist. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Preparing properly helps ensure your sample is collected smoothly. Keep the following points 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 taking, especially blood thinners, as these may affect sample collection
- Bring any previous pathology or imaging reports relevant to your condition
- Follow any specific instructions given by your haematologist or oncologist before the appointment
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to make sample collection easier
Step-by-Step Procedure
Sample collection for this test may involve bone marrow or peripheral blood. Both procedures are described below.
Bone Marrow Sample
- You will be asked to lie on your side or stomach. The hip bone area is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied to reduce discomfort.
- A specialist inserts a needle into the bone to draw out a small amount of bone marrow (approximately 3 ml).
- The sample is collected in a sodium heparin (green-top) container and labelled with your details.
- The site is bandaged, and you will be monitored briefly before being allowed to leave.
- The sample is stored under refrigeration (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) and dispatched to the laboratory promptly.
Peripheral Blood Sample
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the inside of your elbow with an antiseptic swab.
- A small blood sample (approximately 3 ml) is drawn using a fine needle into an EDTA (lavender-top) tube.
- The sample is labelled and stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius for transport to the laboratory.
- In the laboratory, cells are cultured, hybridised with fluorescent probes, and analysed under a fluorescence microscope by certified technologists.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of this test. These include the following.
- Low numbers of abnormal (neoplastic) cells in the sample, which may lead to a missed detection
- Poor sample quality or improper handling during transport
- Prior treatment, which may reduce the number of detectable tumour cells
- Bone specimens that have been through decalcification, as this can lower the chance of a successful result
- Variant translocations that are not detected by the standard probes used in this test
Understanding Your FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) Test Results
Results from this test must always be reviewed by a qualified haematologist or pathologist, who will consider them alongside your overall clinical picture.
| Parameter | Normal (Negative) Result | Abnormal (Positive) Result |
|---|---|---|
| IgH/BCL2 fusion | No translocation detected | Fusion signal present, indicating t(14;18) translocation |
| Abnormal cells threshold | Below laboratory cut-off (typically fewer than 2% of cells showing fusion signal) | At or above the laboratory cut-off percentage |
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
- A low number of tumour cells in the sample may mean the translocation goes undetected, even when lymphoma is present.
- For bone specimens that have been decalcified, testing is attempted, but the success rate is around 50%.
- If a patient has already started treatment, the reduction in tumour cell numbers can make it harder to identify the translocation.
- In roughly 4% of follicular lymphoma cases, the translocation is simply not present, so a negative result does not rule out lymphoma.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness tips to support your overall health during and after the investigation.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your haematologist or oncologist, as ongoing monitoring is important
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support your body
- Report any new or worsening symptoms, such as enlarging lumps, fever, or night sweats, to your doctor promptly
Lupin Diagnostics FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) Test Price
The FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) test is priced starting at ₹8,400 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available due to the specialised nature of the sample collection involved.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 8400 |
| CHENNAI | 8400 |
| HYDERABAD | 8400 |
| KOLKATA | 8400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 8400 |
| PUNE | 8400 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- 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 by a trained specialist.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test checks for a specific chromosomal change linked to B-cell lymphomas, particularly follicular lymphoma. It helps doctors confirm a diagnosis and can also be used to monitor how well a patient is responding to treatment. It is one of the key tests used in the workup of suspected lymphoma.
The FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) test procedure involves collecting either a bone marrow sample or a peripheral blood sample. In the laboratory, the cells are prepared, treated with fluorescent probes, and examined under a special microscope by trained technologists. Bone marrow is the preferred sample type for accurate results.
A blood draw causes minimal discomfort and is over quickly. Bone marrow collection may cause brief pain or pressure, but local anaesthesia is used to reduce this. Your doctor or nurse will guide you through what to expect before the procedure begins.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report turnaround time for this test is typically 8 days. The laboratory process involves cell culture, hybridisation, and microscopic analysis by certified technologists, which requires this time.
No. A negative result means no t(14;18) translocation was detected in the cells analysed, but it does not rule out lymphoma. Some lymphomas carry different genetic changes, and in a small percentage of cases, the translocation may be absent. Your doctor will interpret the result alongside other tests and clinical findings.
A positive result indicates that the IgH/BCL2 fusion is present, which supports a diagnosis of follicular lymphoma or another B-cell lymphoma. Your haematologist will discuss the next steps, which may include further diagnostic tests, staging, and management options.
No. Home collection is not available for this test. It requires specialised sample collection, such as a bone marrow biopsy or supervised blood draw, which must be performed at a diagnostic centre or hospital by trained medical professionals.
FISH - IgH/BCl2 t(14;18) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
