Bcr-Abl Gene Translocation (Qualitative) Test

BCR-ABL is a fusion gene formed by the rearrangement of breakpoint cluster region (BCR) on chromosome 22 with the ABL proto-oncogene chromosome 9 leading to the formation of Philadelphia chromosome. This test is used to help diagnose Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia (CML) and specific types of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) by detecting abnormal formation of white blood cells in the bone marrow. It is also used to monitor response to treatment and to detect any resistance to such treatment.

There are no such special prerequisites for this test. A sample of your blood will be taken and tests will be run in the laboratories. However it is to be noted that you should be properly hydrated before a blood test as it will make it less painful and easier for the physician or nurse to draw blood.

BCR-ABL is the most common mutation found in patients suffering from Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia (CML) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). It helps to monitor such patients and to evaluate the treatment response or to look for any recurrence of their condition. A decreasing trend in BCR-ABL with treatment will indicate a good response and when the levels are undetectable then it will indicate a reduction/remission. Any increase/decrease in the level will denote the diseases’ progression or recurrence.

A BCR-ABL test can be carried out in two ways – Blood sample – For this method, a sample of your blood will be used for testing. The attending physician or nurse will clean the area on your arm with an alcohol pad or liquid and draw out the required amount of blood from the vein. After the necessary amoun