BCR-ABL Qualitative PCR
Understanding BCR-ABL Qualitative PCR
What is BCR-ABL Qualitative PCR?
The BCR-ABL Gene Translocation (Qualitative) test can help doctors to diagnose chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) and a type of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and monitor their treatment. Of the 23 pairs of chromosomes in your body, the BCR gene is usually on chromosome 22 and the ABL on chromosome 9. When portions of BCR and ABL genes break off and switch places, the resulting fused gene is the BCR-ABL gene.
Usually, it is a blood test, or doctors may opt for a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration, where they insert a needle via your hip bone to take a bone marrow sample. Doctors use anaesthesia for the procedure. If your reports confirm the presence of this gene, you may have ALL or CML. Consult a specialist for proper treatment.
What is BCR-ABL Qualitative PCR used for?
This test is useful in diagnosing the presence of CML and ALL in an individual and also to monitor their treatment. The test must be ordered when signs and symptoms of leukemia such as anemia, weakness, palpitations, easy bruising and excessive bleeding due to loss of platelets, bone and joint pain, confusion and seizure, night sweats etc. are observed in the patient.
What does BCR-ABL Qualitative PCR measure?
BCR-ABLtesting is ordered if it is suspected that a person has CML or Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive ALL. Initial testing may be indicated when a person has symptoms such as:
-Fatigue
-Weight loss
-Joint or bone pain
-Enlarged spleen
-Night sweats
-Fever
-Abnormal findings on a complete blood count (CBC)
Interpreting BCR-ABL Qualitative PCR results
Interpretations
If the BCR-ABL sequence is present in the result of the Qualitative PCR test, it means that the person is diagnosed with positive CML and ALL.
Other tests
