FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis or FLT3 Quantitative Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis or FLT3 Quantitative Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | FLT3 ITD Allelic Ratio, FLT3 Allelic Ratio (AR), FLT3 Quantitative Fragment Analysis, FLT3-ITD Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Test, FLT3 Mutation Analysis |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate (preferred) or peripheral blood (venous) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 10 Days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML); both genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹6,000 |
What is a FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis or FLT3 Quantitative Test?
The FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis or FLT3 Quantitative Test detects and measures a specific mutation in the FLT3 gene, known as an internal tandem duplication (ITD). This mutation is one of the most common genetic changes found in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The test is ordered by haematologists and oncologists to understand a patient's disease profile and guide treatment choices. It is also known as the FLT3 ITD Allelic Ratio or FLT3 Mutation Quantitative Test.
What Does a FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis or FLT3 Quantitative Test Measure?
The FLT3 Quantitative Test analyses three key aspects of the FLT3-ITD mutation in the sample. Each provides clinically useful information about disease burden and risk. The test examines the following:
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| FLT3-ITD Allelic Ratio (AR) | The proportion of mutated FLT3 genes compared to normal FLT3 genes reflects how many leukaemia cells carry the mutation |
| ITD Length | The size of the tandem duplication, which can vary between patients and may affect disease behaviour |
| ITD Clone Detection | Identifies whether one or more FLT3-ITD mutant clones are present in the sample |
Why is a FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis or FLT3 Quantitative Test Done?
This test is used to detect, classify, and monitor AML at a molecular level. Doctors order it at diagnosis, during treatment, and at follow-up to track how the disease is responding.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test when a patient shows signs that suggest a blood cancer. The following symptoms are commonly associated with AML:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Anaemia causing paleness, weakness, or shortness of breath
- Frequent, recurrent, or unusual infections
- Easy bruising or excessive bleeding
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Unexplained fever
- Bone or joint pain and tenderness
- Headaches without a clear cause
- Shortness of breath, even with light activity
- Unintentional weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis is used specifically in the context of blood cancers. It helps identify the following:
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with FLT3-ITD mutation, which occurs in approximately 20% to 30% of adult AML cases
- High-risk AML subgroups, where a positive FLT3-ITD result indicates a less favourable outlook
- Eligibility for FLT3-targeted drug therapies in AML patients
FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in ongoing AML management. It is used to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD), meaning the small number of leukaemia cells that may remain after treatment. FLT3-ITD negativity after consolidation therapy has been linked to better overall survival and event-free survival. The test is also repeated to assess response to FLT3 inhibitor therapies and to guide decisions about stem cell transplantation.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. However, there are a few practical points to keep in mind before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the FLT3 Quantitative Test. You may eat and drink normally before sample collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being well prepared helps ensure the sample is collected smoothly and gives accurate results. Please follow these steps:
- 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 current medications, including any chemotherapy or targeted therapies you are receiving
- Ensure your name and identification are correctly labelled on all sample tubes before collection
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your arm or the collection site
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test requires two types of samples: bone marrow and peripheral blood. Both are collected at a Lupin Diagnostics centre by trained medical staff.
Bone Marrow Collection:
- A doctor or specialist selects the appropriate collection site, usually the hip bone (iliac crest).
- The area is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied to reduce discomfort.
- A needle is inserted to withdraw approximately 3 ml of bone marrow aspirate into a sodium heparin (green) tube.
- The site is dressed and monitored briefly after the procedure.
Peripheral Blood Collection:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin over a vein, usually in the inner arm.
- Approximately 3 ml of blood is drawn into an EDTA (lavender) tube.
- The tube is gently inverted several times to mix the blood with the anticoagulant.
- The sample is not aliquoted, frozen, or centrifuged; it is sent to the laboratory in its original tube.
Both samples are stored at 2°C to 8°C and transported to the NABL-accredited laboratory for DNA extraction and analysis using Real Time PCR.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain conditions can affect the quality of the sample and the reliability of the results. These include:
- Clotted or frozen blood samples are not acceptable and will be rejected
- Grossly haemolysed (broken down red blood cells) specimens
- Low tumour cell percentage in the sample (a minimum of 5% tumour cells is needed for reliable detection)
- Delay in sample transport beyond 48 hours at room temperature
- Ongoing chemotherapy or FLT3 inhibitor treatment, which may alter the mutation burden at the time of testing
Understanding Your FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis or FLT3 Quantitative Test Results
The allelic ratio and clone information are interpreted alongside your full clinical picture, including other genetic findings and treatment history. The table below provides a general guide to result interpretation.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| FLT3-ITD Not Detected | No FLT3-ITD mutation detected; FLT3-ITD negative (wild-type) |
| FLT3-ITD Detected (Allelic Ratio < 0.5) | FLT3-ITD mutation is present with a lower mutant allele burden |
| FLT3-ITD Detected (Allelic Ratio ≥ 0.5) | FLT3-ITD mutation is present with a higher mutant allele burden |
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 affect how results should be read. Your doctor will take these into account:
- In patients with relapsed or refractory AML, the allelic ratio is often higher than at initial diagnosis, reflecting increased dependence on activated FLT3 signalling as the disease progresses.
- In some patients, FLT3-ITD mutations may appear or disappear over time due to changes in which leukaemia cell clones are dominant. This is why repeat testing is sometimes necessary during treatment.
- Prior chemotherapy or FLT3 inhibitor use may reduce the detectable mutation burden, which can affect how results are interpreted.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
For patients undergoing AML treatment, consistent follow-up is key. The following general tips support your care:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your haematologist or oncologist so that treatment response can be tracked regularly.
- Follow your prescribed treatment plan carefully and report any new or worsening symptoms, such as unusual fatigue, bleeding, or infections.
- Keep a record of previous test results to share with your doctor at each visit, as tracking changes over time is important in AML management.
Lupin Diagnostics FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis or FLT3 Quantitative Test Price
The FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis or FLT3 Quantitative Test is priced starting at ₹6,000 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this specialised molecular test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 6000 |
| CHENNAI | 6000 |
| HYDERABAD | 6000 |
| KOLKATA | 6000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 6000 |
| PUNE | 6000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your FLT3 Quantitative Test online at 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 the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
FLT3-ITD refers to an internal tandem duplication mutation in the FLT3 gene, which causes uncontrolled activation of the FLT3 protein in blood cells. This mutation is found in approximately 20% to 30% of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. Detecting and quantifying it helps doctors assess risk and choose the most appropriate treatment.
Both a bone marrow aspirate and a peripheral blood sample are collected. Bone marrow is the preferred specimen because it is the site where leukaemia cells originate, giving a more accurate picture of the disease. Peripheral blood is collected as an additional sample in a lavender-top EDTA tube.
The allelic ratio compares the number of mutated FLT3 genes to normal ones. A ratio of 0.5 or above is considered high and is generally associated with more aggressive disease. Your doctor will use this information alongside other test results to decide on treatment, including whether targeted therapies or a stem cell transplant may be appropriate.
Yes. The test is repeated during and after treatment to measure minimal residual disease (MRD), which refers to small numbers of leukaemia cells that may remain. Monitoring MRD levels helps doctors assess how well treatment is working and whether any adjustments are needed.
Yes, it can. FLT3-ITD mutations can be gained or lost during disease progression or in response to treatment. This is why the test may be ordered more than once during the course of AML management.
The sample collection itself takes a short time. The laboratory analysis using Real Time PCR takes up to 10 days for results to be ready. Your doctor will notify you when the report is available.
No medications need to be stopped before this test. However, you should inform your doctor about all current treatments, including chemotherapy and targeted therapies, as these can affect the mutation levels detected in the sample and how results are interpreted.
FLT3-ITD Mutant Allele Burden Analysis or FLT3 Quantitative Test: Booking, Price, and Results
