Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH Test
About Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CLL FISH Panel, CLL Profile by FISH, B-Cell CLL FISH Panel, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia FISH Panel |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood in sodium heparin (green top) tube |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 5 days |
| Recommended For | Adults with suspected or confirmed CLL; primarily affects those over 60 years; more common in males |
| Price | Starting at ₹12,000 |
What is a Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH Test?
The Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH test is a specialised genetic test used to detect specific chromosomal changes in cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). CLL is a type of blood cancer that affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The test uses a technique called fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), which uses fluorescent probes to identify abnormalities in chromosomes under a microscope. It is also known as the CLL FISH Panel or Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia FISH Panel.
What Does a Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH Test Measure?
This panel examines six specific chromosomal markers. Each marker provides prognostic information, helping doctors understand how the disease may behave and what treatment approach may be appropriate.
The six markers tested are:
| Parameter | What It Looks For |
|---|---|
| del13q14.3 | Deletion on chromosome 13, the most common CLL abnormality; associated with a favourable prognosis when found alone |
| del13q34 | Additional deletion at chromosome 13q34; assessed alongside del13q14.3 |
| Trisomy 12 | An extra copy of chromosome 12; associated with intermediate prognosis |
| del11q23 (ATM) | Deletion involving the ATM gene on chromosome 11; associated with unfavourable prognosis |
| del17p13.1 (TP53) | Deletion involving the TP53 tumour suppressor gene on chromosome 17; associated with the poorest prognosis |
| IGH Gene Breakapart | Detects rearrangements in the IGH gene; helps distinguish CLL from mantle cell lymphoma |
Why is a Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH Test Done?
A doctor may order the CLL FISH Panel for several clinical reasons, including confirming a CLL diagnosis, determining prognosis, or planning treatment. Below are the common reasons this test is requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Many people with CLL have no symptoms when first diagnosed. The test is often ordered after routine blood tests show a raised lymphocyte count. When symptoms are present, they may include:
- Persistent fatigue or unusual tiredness
- Swollen lymph nodes felt as painless lumps in the neck, underarms, or groin
- A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen or liver
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent or prolonged infections
- Night sweats
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH test helps doctors identify and differentiate the following:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma
- Specific chromosomal abnormalities that determine prognostic risk groups in CLL
- Mantle cell lymphoma, which can resemble CLL but requires different treatment
Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in ongoing CLL management. It is used at the time of initial diagnosis to establish prognostic risk and may be repeated at disease progression or relapse to check for new chromosomal changes, known as clonal evolution. Doctors also use it before starting a new course of treatment to understand any shifts in the chromosomal profile.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. Here is what you should know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH test. You may eat and drink normally on the day of your blood draw.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help ensure your sample is suitable for testing:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, as some may affect results
- Stay well hydrated before the blood draw
- Wear clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up easily for a comfortable blood draw
- Arrange for the sample to reach the laboratory as soon as possible after collection
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample for this test is peripheral blood collected into a sodium heparin tube. The process is straightforward:
- A trained phlebotomist (a professional who collects blood samples) will clean the skin at the collection site, usually the inside of your elbow.
- A small needle is used to draw 3 ml of blood into a green-top sodium heparin tube.
- The tube is gently inverted several times to mix the blood and prevent clotting.
- The collection site is covered with a small bandage. The procedure takes only a few minutes.
- The sample is labelled and stored at 2 to 8°C for transport to the laboratory.
- The sample is processed within 24 hours of collection. In the laboratory, the cells are hybridised with fluorescent probes and analysed under a fluorescence microscope.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may affect the quality of your sample and the reliability of results:
- Clotted samples or samples more than 24 hours old are not suitable for testing
- Incorrect tube type (EDTA tubes are not recommended for this test)
- Overheating or freezing the sample during transport
- Insufficient sample volume
- Prior treatment for CLL, which may alter the distribution of chromosomal abnormalities
Understanding Your Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH Test Results
Results from the CLL FISH Panel are reported for each of the six chromosomal markers. A specialist doctor (haematologist or pathologist) will interpret the findings in the context of your full clinical picture.
| Parameter | Normal Finding | Prognostic Significance |
|---|---|---|
| del13q14.3 | Negative (fewer than 5% abnormal cells) | Favourable when found as the sole abnormality |
| del13q34 | Negative (fewer than 5% abnormal cells) | Assessed alongside del13q14.3 |
| Trisomy 12 | Negative (fewer than 5% abnormal cells) | Intermediate prognosis |
| del11q23 (ATM) | Negative (fewer than 5% abnormal cells) | Unfavourable prognosis |
| del17p13.1 (TP53) | Negative (fewer than 5% abnormal cells) | Poorest prognosis |
| IGH Gene Breakapart | Negative | Positive result may suggest mantle cell lymphoma rather than CLL |
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.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances can influence how results are reported or interpreted. Your doctor will take these into account:
- If you have already received treatment for CLL, some chromosomal abnormalities may be less detectable or may have evolved, affecting the distribution of findings.
- Suboptimal sample quality, such as a clotted, frozen, or delayed sample, may reduce the accuracy of results and may require a repeat collection.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While chromosomal abnormalities detected by FISH cannot be modified through lifestyle changes, general health practices support overall wellbeing during CLL management:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your haematologist as advised
- Keep vaccinations up-to-date, as recommended by your healthcare team, since CLL can affect immune function
- Report any new or worsening symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or frequent infections, to your doctor promptly
Lupin Diagnostics Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH Test Price and Home Collection
The Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹12,000, with home sample collection available across major cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 12000 |
| CHENNAI | 12000 |
| HYDERABAD | 12000 |
| KOLKATA | 12000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 12000 |
| PUNE | 12000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH test at Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Home collection for peripheral blood samples is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced specialists. Digital reports are delivered directly to you via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH test, is used to detect specific chromosomal changes in CLL cells. These findings help doctors determine the likely behaviour of the disease, assign a prognostic risk group, and guide treatment decisions.
At Lupin Diagnostics, reports are typically available within 5 days of sample collection. The exact turnaround time may vary based on sample quality and laboratory scheduling.
For peripheral blood collection, the experience is similar to a standard blood draw, with only brief and minimal discomfort at the needle site. The procedure is quick and well tolerated by most people.
A deletion at chromosome 17p13.1 involves the TP53 tumour suppressor gene. This finding is associated with the poorest prognosis among CLL chromosomal abnormalities and is an important marker that doctors use when planning treatment. Your haematologist will discuss what this means for your specific situation.
Yes, home collection for peripheral blood is available through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist will visit your home to collect the sample. Please note that clinical history documentation must be provided at the time of booking, as it is required for this test.
Yes, this test may be repeated if your CLL progresses or relapses, or before starting a new course of treatment. Repeating the test helps detect new chromosomal changes that develop over time, a process called clonal evolution, which can influence treatment choices.
CLL and mantle cell lymphoma can look similar under routine examination. The IGH Gene Breakapart probe included in this panel helps detect rearrangements associated with mantle cell lymphoma. A positive IGH result may indicate mantle cell lymphoma rather than CLL, which requires a different treatment approach.
Leukaemia Panel, CLL, By FISH Test
