RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) t(8;21) Quantitative Test
About RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) t(8;21) Quantitative Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | AML1-ETO Quantitative, t(8;21) Quantitative PCR, RUNX1::RUNX1T1 Detection, AML1/ETO Fusion Transcript Detection |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow or peripheral blood (EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 12 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; primarily patients diagnosed with or suspected of having acute myeloid leukemia (AML) |
| Price | Starting at ₹6,000 |
What Is a RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) t(8;21) Quantitative Test?
The RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) t(8;21) Quantitative Test is a molecular test that detects and measures a specific genetic abnormality in blood or bone marrow cells. It identifies a fusion of two genes, RUNX1 and RUNX1T1, caused by a chromosomal rearrangement between chromosomes 8 and 21.
This test is used to diagnose a particular subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to monitor how well treatment is working. It is also known as the AML1-ETO test or the t(8;21) Quantitative PCR test.
What Does a RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) t(8;21) Quantitative Test Measure?
The AML1-ETO test uses a technique called real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect and quantify specific genetic material in the sample. The key measurements are outlined below.
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion transcript | Detects the abnormal gene fusion resulting from the translocation of chromosomes 8 and 21 |
| RUNX1-RUNX1T1/ABL1 normalised ratio | Expresses the amount of fusion transcript as a percentage relative to a control gene (ABL1), indicating disease burden |
| Analytical sensitivity | Can detect as few as 1 tumour cell in 100,000 normal cells, making it highly sensitive for tracking minimal residual disease (MRD) |
Minimal residual disease (MRD) refers to tiny amounts of leukemia cells that may remain in the body even after treatment appears to have worked.
Why Is a RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) t(8;21) Quantitative Test Done?
Doctors order this test to confirm a diagnosis of a specific AML subtype, or to track treatment response in patients already diagnosed. Below are the common reasons this test is requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Unusual tiredness or persistent fatigue
- Frequent or recurring infections that do not resolve
- Easy bruising or unexplained bleeding
- Shortness of breath or breathlessness during routine activity
- Fever without an obvious cause
- Paleness or looking unusually pale
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify or monitor the following conditions:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21)(q22;q22), a specific subtype of blood cancer
- AML of the French-American-British (FAB) M2 morphological subtype, which accounts for approximately 6% to 8% of all AML cases
- Minimal residual disease (MRD) after treatment, used to assess relapse risk
RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) t(8;21) Quantitative Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in long-term disease monitoring for AML patients. International guidelines recommend MRD testing every three months for two years after treatment. Regular monitoring helps detect early signs of relapse, often before symptoms reappear.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but following a few simple steps will help ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your sample is collected:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any prior diagnoses, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, particularly chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs
- Stay well hydrated before the appointment, as this makes blood collection easier
- No dietary restrictions are necessary before the test
- The sample must reach the laboratory within 48 hours of collection, so ensure your appointment is scheduled accordingly
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test requires either a peripheral blood sample or a bone marrow sample. Your doctor will advise which sample type is appropriate for your situation.
Peripheral Blood Collection:
- A healthcare professional will clean a vein in your arm and insert a small needle to draw blood
- The blood is collected into a lavender-coloured EDTA tube containing a preservative that protects the sample
- At least 3 ml of blood is required for the test
- The sample is labelled, refrigerated immediately, and prepared for transport
- It is dispatched to the laboratory, where real-time PCR analysis is performed
Bone Marrow Collection:
- A hematologist will perform the bone marrow aspiration, usually from the hip bone, under local anesthesia
- A small amount of bone marrow (approximately 3 ml) is drawn into a lavender-coloured EDTA tube
- The sample is handled carefully to preserve RNA integrity
- It is refrigerated immediately and transported to the laboratory within 48 hours
- Real-time PCR analysis is carried out to detect and quantify the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion transcript
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of your result:
- Delay in transporting the sample to the laboratory (RNA degrades quickly)
- Inadequate sample volume
- Improper refrigeration during transport
- Use of certain medications, including chemotherapy agents
- Sample contamination or degradation
Understanding Your RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) t(8;21) Quantitative Test Results
Your results will be interpreted by a specialist alongside your clinical history and other investigations. The table below outlines what typical findings may indicate.
| Parameter | Test Finding | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| RUNX1-RUNX1T1/ABL1 ratio | Not detected (Negative) | No fusion transcript found; consistent with complete molecular remission |
| RUNX1-RUNX1T1/ABL1 ratio | Positive (detected) | Reported as a quantitative percentage; Fusion transcript present; requires clinical interpretation |
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
A few situations can make results harder to interpret. Your specialist will take these into account.
Even when test results show complete molecular remission (no detectable fusion transcript), approximately 10 to 30% of patients may still experience a relapse. In addition, RUNX1-RUNX1T1 transcripts have been observed to persist in some clinically healthy individuals over time, which suggests the fusion gene alone does not always lead to active leukemia.
Supporting Your Health During AML Monitoring
The following general steps support your monitoring and overall wellbeing:
- Follow your hematologist's treatment plan and attend all scheduled MRD monitoring appointments
- Report any new symptoms, such as unusual fatigue, bruising, or recurrent infections, to your doctor without delay
- Maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get adequate rest to support your body during treatment
Lupin Diagnostics RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) t(8;21) Quantitative Test Price
The RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) t(8;21) Quantitative Test is priced starting at ₹6,000 at Lupin Diagnostics. Testing is performed on the sample collected as advised by your treating doctor and submitted to a centre for specialised molecular analysis.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 6000 |
| CHENNAI | 6000 |
| HYDERABAD | 6000 |
| KOLKATA | 6000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 6000 |
| PUNE | 6000 |
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 book your AML1-ETO test at Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website
- Choose your city and preferred centre location
- Follow the instructions provided for sample submission, as advised by your doctor or healthcare facility
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time
Frequently Asked Questions
This test detects and measures a specific gene fusion caused by a rearrangement between chromosomes 8 and 21. It is used both to confirm a diagnosis of a particular AML subtype and to monitor treatment response by tracking the level of residual leukemia cells in the body.
A positive result means the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion transcript was detected in your sample. In a patient with bone marrow abnormalities, this finding can confirm an AML diagnosis. In a patient already undergoing treatment, it indicates that leukemia cells are still present or that the disease may be returning.
A negative (not detected) result means no fusion transcript was found. In patients undergoing treatment, this is consistent with complete molecular remission. However, regular follow-up testing is still recommended, as relapse can occur.
After treatment, testing is generally recommended at diagnosis, after each treatment cycle, and then every three months during follow-up for a period of 24 months. Your hematologist will advise a schedule suited to your specific case.
Either peripheral blood or bone marrow is collected in a lavender-coloured EDTA tube. Your doctor will determine which sample type is more appropriate based on your clinical situation and stage of disease.
A peripheral blood draw involves a minor needle prick and is generally well tolerated. A bone marrow aspiration is performed under local anesthesia and may cause brief discomfort. Your healthcare team will ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
This test uses real-time PCR, a highly sensitive molecular technique that requires careful processing to detect very small amounts of genetic material accurately. The extended turnaround time reflects the complexity of the analysis performed in a specialised laboratory.
RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) t(8;21) Quantitative Test
