TEL/AML1 Quantitative Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About TEL/AML1 Quantitative Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | ETV6-RUNX1 Quantitative, TEL-AML1 Fusion Quantitative PCR, ETV6/RUNX1 RQ-PCR, t(12; 21)(p13;q22) |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow (sodium heparin tube) and peripheral blood (EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 20 days |
| Recommended For | Primarily children aged 2 to 10 years; both males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹6,000 |
What Is a TEL/AML1 Quantitative Test?
The TEL/AML1 Quantitative test measures the amount of an abnormal fusion gene, known as ETV6-RUNX1 (or TEL-AML1), in a bone marrow or blood sample. Doctors use it to detect a specific genetic change found in certain cases of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL), a type of blood cancer that primarily affects children. It is also called the ETV6-RUNX1 Quantitative test or TEL-AML1 Fusion Quantitative PCR.
What Does a TEL/AML1 Quantitative Test Measure?
The TEL/AML1 Quantitative test uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to measure fusion gene levels with very high precision. It analyses two key molecular markers. Here is what each one indicates:
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| ETV6-RUNX1 fusion transcript | Detects and quantifies the abnormal fusion gene in the sample |
| ETV6-RUNX1/ABL ratio | Compares fusion gene levels against the control gene (ABL1) to confirm its presence and amount |
| Minimal residual disease (MRD) | Measures tiny numbers of remaining leukaemia cells after treatment begins |
The ABL gene acts as a reference point to ensure the measurement is accurate. MRD (minimal residual disease) refers to the small number of cancer cells that may remain in the body even when a patient appears to be in remission.
Why Is a TEL/AML1 Quantitative Test Done?
This test is used both to detect a specific genetic subtype of leukaemia and to track how well treatment is working over time.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test when a child shows signs that suggest leukaemia. The following symptoms are among the most common reasons for investigation:
- Persistent fatigue and tiredness caused by anaemia (low red blood cell count)
- Easy bruising or unexplained bleeding
- Bone and joint pain
- Recurrent fevers or frequent infections
- Swollen lymph nodes (glands under the neck, arms or groin)
- Pallor (noticeably pale skin)
- Unexplained weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify and monitor specific blood-related conditions. It may be ordered in the following situations:
- B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) in children, where this genetic change is found in approximately 25% to 30% of cases
- Confirming the specific genetic subtype of ALL at the time of diagnosis
- Monitoring treatment response during chemotherapy
- Detecting early relapse after remission
TEL/AML1 Quantitative Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in long-term monitoring of childhood B-cell leukaemia. Bone marrow samples are typically analysed at diagnosis and then at set time points during treatment, such as day 15, day 29 and day 78. If MRD levels remain above 0.1% at key monitoring points, treatment may be adjusted or intensified accordingly.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before the TEL/AML1 Quantitative test procedure. However, there are a few practical points to keep in mind before attending the appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the TEL/AML1 Quantitative test. You may eat and drink normally on the day of the test. Continue your regular diet and medication schedule unless your doctor gives specific instructions.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few steps before your appointment will help ensure smooth sample collection:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including the patient's symptoms, previous test results and treatment records, as this is required for the test.
- Carry the doctor's prescription, which is mandatory for this test.
- Inform the doctor or phlebotomist about any ongoing chemotherapy or other medications.
- Help the child stay calm and comfortable before sample collection.
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test requires two sample types: peripheral blood and bone marrow. The collection steps for each are described below.
Peripheral Blood Collection:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin over a vein, usually in the arm.
- A needle is used to collect approximately 3 ml of blood into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage or cotton swab is applied to the site.
- The sample is labelled and stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius for transport.
Bone Marrow Collection:
- A doctor performs the bone marrow collection, usually from the hip bone, under local anaesthesia or mild sedation.
- A small amount of bone marrow, approximately 3 ml, is drawn from the hip bone using a thin needle. This procedure is called bone marrow aspiration.
- The sample is handled carefully and stored refrigerated (not frozen) before dispatch.
- Both samples are sent to the laboratory immediately under cold-chain conditions (kept at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius) to preserve RNA quality.
- In the laboratory, RNA from the sample is converted to cDNA and then analysed using Real-Time PCR to quantify the ETV6-RUNX1 fusion transcript.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can impact the reliability of the test result. These include:
- Clotted, haemolysed (broken-down) or insufficient sample volume
- Delay of more than two hours between collection and transport
- Improper cold-chain handling during transport
- Use of the wrong collection tube (anticoagulant tube is required)
- Timing of sample collection relative to chemotherapy cycles
- Poor RNA integrity due to degradation
- Unstable ETV6-RUNX1 transcript levels in leukaemic cells, which can affect absolute quantification
Understanding Your TEL/AML1 Quantitative Test Results
Results from this test must always be reviewed by a qualified haematologist or paediatric oncologist. The values below are general reference points. Here is how results are typically interpreted:
| Parameter | Favourable | Requires Attention |
|---|---|---|
| ETV6-RUNX1 fusion transcript | Not detected (negative) | Detected (positive at diagnosis) |
| ETV6-RUNX1/ABL ratio | Below 10⁻⁵ (below detection threshold) | At or above 10⁻⁵ |
| MRD at Day 29 or Day 78 | Below 0.01% (good treatment response) | Above 0.1% (may indicate need for treatment intensification) |
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 situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- Ongoing chemotherapy at the time of testing can directly influence MRD levels, so the timing of sample collection relative to treatment phases is taken into account by the treating doctor.
- ETV6-RUNX1 transcript levels in leukaemic cells can fluctuate, which may affect absolute quantification at certain time points.
- Sample degradation due to improper transport may produce a false-negative result, meaning the fusion gene appears absent when it is not.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general steps support treatment and monitoring during therapy:
- Follow all treatment plans and schedules set by the paediatric oncologist.
- Attend every scheduled follow-up appointment for MRD monitoring at the recommended time points.
- Report any new symptoms such as fatigue, easy bruising or unexplained fever to the treating doctor without delay.
Lupin Diagnostics TEL/AML1 Quantitative Test Price
The TEL/AML1 Quantitative test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹6,000. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available due to the specialised nature of bone marrow aspiration and the requirement for immediate cold-chain sample transport.
| 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 for TEL/AML1 Quantitative test online booking at Lupin Diagnostics:
- 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
The TEL/AML1 Quantitative test is used to detect and measure the ETV6-RUNX1 fusion gene in children diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. It helps doctors confirm the genetic subtype at diagnosis, assess how well treatment is working and detect early signs of relapse. It is most commonly ordered for children aged 2 to 10 years.
Unlike a standard blood smear, the TEL/AML1 Quantitative test procedure uses high-sensitivity PCR technology. It can detect as few as one leukaemic cell among 10,000 normal cells. This level of precision is not possible with conventional microscopy.
This genetic abnormality is most commonly detected in children between the ages of 2 and 10 years, with a median age of around 4 years at diagnosis. It is found in approximately 25% to 30% of childhood B-cell ALL cases.
No. A positive result at diagnosis actually indicates a favourable prognosis. Children with the ETV6-RUNX1 genetic subtype of ALL generally respond well to treatment, with event-free survival rates between 80% and 97% reported in published studies.
During treatment, this test is typically carried out at diagnosis and then at day 15, day 29 and day 78 of the treatment protocol. Additional testing may be done during later phases of treatment such as consolidation and maintenance. Your doctor will advise on the exact schedule.
Quantitative PCR can detect as few as one leukaemic cell among 10,000 normal cells, with a sensitivity of 10⁻⁵. A standard blood smear cannot detect disease at this level, making this test far more precise for monitoring minimal residual disease.
The TEL/AML1 Quantitative test uses next-generation sequencing (NGS), which is a detailed molecular analysis that requires multiple laboratory steps, including RNA extraction, conversion to cDNA and Real-Time PCR amplification. Each step requires careful processing to ensure accurate and reliable results.
TEL/AML1 Quantitative Test: Booking, Price, and Results
