FISH - TEL/AML1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About FISH - TEL/AML1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | ETV6/RUNX1 FISH, t(12;21) FISH, TEL-AML1 Translocation FISH, ETV6-RUNX1 Fusion Gene Test, LSI TEL/AML1 test |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate (preferred) or peripheral blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Children aged 2 to 5 years, primarily adults with suspected B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,600 |
What is a FISH - TEL/AML1 Test?
The FISH - TEL/AML1 test is a specialised genetic test used to detect a specific chromosomal abnormality linked to a type of blood cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). It uses fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), a technique that labels DNA with fluorescent probes to identify gene changes under a microscope. The test is also known as the ETV6/RUNX1 FISH or TEL-AML1 Translocation FISH test. It is most commonly ordered in children but may also be used in adults with suspected B-cell ALL.
What Does a FISH - TEL/AML1 Test Measure?
This test examines specific genes and chromosomal changes associated with a subtype of leukaemia. The following table outlines the key elements of the test analyses.
| Component | What It Looks For |
|---|---|
| TEL/AML1 (ETV6/RUNX1) Fusion Gene | An abnormal gene is created when parts of chromosomes 12 and 21 exchange material |
| t(12;21)(p13;q22) Translocation | The specific chromosomal swap that produces the TEL-AML1 fusion gene |
| ETV6 Gene | A gene on chromosome 12 that controls blood cell formation in the bone marrow |
| RUNX1 Gene | A gene on chromosome 21 that acts as a switch for blood cell development |
When these two genes fuse abnormally, they can cause white blood cells to grow without control, contributing to leukaemia.
Why is a FISH - TEL/AML1 Test Done?
A doctor may order this test when a patient shows signs that suggest a possible blood cancer diagnosis. It is used both for initial diagnosis and to understand which specific subtype of ALL is present.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a TEL/AML1 test:
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Fever or night sweats
- Frequent infections or slow recovery from illness
- Easy bruising or bleeding, including frequent nosebleeds
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin
- Bone or joint pain without a clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify or confirm the following conditions:
- B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in children, where this translocation accounts for 20 to 25% of cases
- B-lineage paediatric ALL, where the t(12;21) translocation is the most common genetic rearrangement found
- ALL in adults, where this translocation appears in approximately 3% of cases
FISH - TEL/AML1 Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Once a diagnosis of ETV6/RUNX1-positive ALL is confirmed, this test may be used to track the patient's response to treatment over time. Bone marrow studies are typically conducted every 2 to 3 months during the first three years after diagnosis to check for minimal residual disease (small numbers of remaining leukaemia cells). Monitoring may then continue every six months for up to five years from diagnosis.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test depends on whether a bone marrow sample or a blood sample is required. Your doctor will guide you on what to do before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required in most cases. However, if sedation is planned for the bone marrow collection procedure, you may be asked to avoid food and drink from the night before. Your medical team will give you specific instructions ahead of your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure a smooth visit:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform the medical team of all medications you are taking, particularly blood thinners or anticoagulants
- Mention any history of bleeding disorders, such as haemophilia
- Disclose any known allergies to anaesthetics or other medicines
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the hip area if a bone marrow sample is being taken
- Arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you if sedation is used
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test can use two types of samples: peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate. The procedure differs depending on which sample is collected.
For Peripheral Blood:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin over a vein, usually on the inner arm.
- A needle is used to draw approximately 3 ml of blood into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- The tube is labelled, stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, and sent to the laboratory.
For Bone Marrow Aspirate:
- You are positioned, and the skin over the hip bone is cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic.
- A specialist inserts a needle into the bone to collect approximately 3 ml of bone marrow into a green-top sodium heparin tube.
- The tube is inverted gently to mix the sample and must not be frozen or centrifuged.
- The labelled sample is stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and dispatched to the laboratory promptly.
- In the laboratory, fluorescently labelled DNA probes are applied to the cells and bind to the target gene regions on chromosomes 12 and 21.
- A trained specialist examines the cells under a fluorescence microscope, counts abnormal signals, and prepares a detailed report for your doctor.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of the FISH - TEL/AML1 test procedure:
- Poor sample quality or low cell viability at the time of collection
- Delays in transporting the sample to the laboratory
- Incorrect storage temperature during transit
Understanding Your FISH - TEL/AML1 Test Results
Results from this test must be reviewed by a haematologist or oncologist alongside your full clinical picture. The table below explains what different outcomes generally mean.
| Parameter | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| TEL/AML1 Fusion Gene | Negative (Not Detected) | No t(12;21) translocation observed |
| TEL/AML1 Fusion Gene | Positive (Detected) | Translocation present; consistent with a specific ALL subtype |
| Cut-off for Positivity | Greater than 3 to 5% of cells with a fusion signal | Laboratory-specific threshold applies |
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 negative result does not entirely rule out a blood disorder, and further testing may be recommended.
A positive result indicates the presence of the ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene and is associated with a favourable outlook in childhood ALL, with cure rates exceeding 90% in many studies.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations may affect how results are interpreted:
- In patients who have relapsed after treatment, additional mutations in the ETV6 and RUNX1 genes are more commonly seen than at the time of initial diagnosis. This can affect how results are read in follow-up testing.
- Persistent pre-leukaemic clones that survived earlier chemotherapy may account for late relapses, and their detection requires careful review by a specialist.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test measures a genetic change rather than a lifestyle-influenced marker, so dietary or lifestyle modifications cannot alter the result. The following general points support overall well-being during treatment:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and complete the treatment course as advised by your doctor.
- Seek emotional support and counselling, which is an important part of care for children and families dealing with a leukaemia diagnosis.
- Keep your medical team informed of any new or changing symptoms between appointments.
Lupin Diagnostics FISH - TEL/AML1 Test Price
The FISH - TEL/AML1 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹4,600. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for this test.
| 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
Follow these steps to complete your TEL/AML1 test online booking at Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the FISH - TEL/AML1 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
This test is used to detect a specific chromosomal change linked to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), particularly in children. It helps confirm the diagnosis and allows doctors to identify which treatment approach is most suitable for the patient.
The t(12;21) translocation is not visible using conventional chromosome analysis in many cases. FISH improves the detection rate from around 50% with standard chromosome testing to approximately 90%, making it a much more reliable tool for identifying this specific genetic change.
A positive TEL/AML1 test result in a child with ALL is generally associated with a favourable outcome. Studies report five-year disease-free survival rates of around 96%, and many children with this subtype can be treated with less intensive chemotherapy protocols.
This test is most often ordered for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years, as this is the age group most affected by ALL. The ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene is found in approximately 20 to 25% of childhood B-cell ALL cases.
No. The TEL/AML1 test home collection option is not available, as bone marrow aspiration must be performed by a trained medical professional in a clinical setting. You will need to visit a Lupin Diagnostics centre for sample collection.
The report is typically available within 3 days. If you have not received your results within this time, contact the Lupin Diagnostics centre where you had your sample collected.
Yes. The TEL/AML1 test procedure may be repeated at regular intervals to check for minimal residual disease, which refers to small numbers of leukaemia cells that may remain after treatment. Your oncologist will decide how often monitoring is needed based on your treatment plan.
FISH - TEL/AML1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
