FISH - BCR / ABL or Philadelphia Translocation Test
Short Name: FISH BCR/ABL Test
Also known as: Philadelphia Translocation Test, BCR-ABL FISH Test, Ph Chromosome Detection
FISH - BCR / ABL or Philadelphia Translocation Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹6,000. Uses FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) on Whole Blood or Bone Marrow samples. Results in Reports dispatched within 4 working days from sample receipt. Accessible via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr SULOCHANA HEMCHANDRA HOLLA
Consultant Medical Geneticist · Reg: 8532
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
To diagnose Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) and other leukemias associated with the Philadelphia chromosome translocation by detecting the BCR-ABL fusion gene, aiding in treatment planning and monitoring.
- Test Code
- 572
- Price
- ₹6,000
- Sample Type
- Whole Blood or Bone Marrow
- Result Time
- Reports dispatched within 4 working days from sample receipt. Accessible via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization)
Sample Collection
Duly filled Chromosome & FISH analysis Requisition Form (Form 17) is mandatory. Ensure patient identification and consent. No fasting required.
Method: Venipuncture for blood; Bone Marrow Aspiration for marrow
Laboratory Analysis
Collect 5 mL whole blood or 4 mL bone marrow in Green Top Sodium Heparin tubes. Use aseptic technique. Label samples correctly.
Report Delivery
Ship samples at 18-22°C immediately. Do not freeze. Store at room temperature for up to 48 hours. Inform patient about report timeline.
Timeline: Reports dispatched within 4 working days from sample receipt. Accessible via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
To diagnose Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) and other leukemias associated with the Philadelphia chromosome translocation by detecting the BCR-ABL fusion gene, aiding in treatment planning and monitoring.
How to Prepare
- Use 2 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tubes for collection
- Maintain sample at 18-22°C during transport
- Avoid freezing or refrigerating samples
- Complete Form 17 with patient details and clinical history
- Ensure proper labeling to prevent mix-ups
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr SULOCHANA HEMCHANDRA HOLLA — MBBS, MD (Medical Genetics) · Reg. No. 8532
"Early detection of BCR-ABL fusion through FISH testing is vital for initiating targeted therapy in CML, improving patient outcomes."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample collected in wrong container (not Sodium Heparin)
- Insufficient sample volume
- Sample hemolyzed, clotted, or contaminated
- Missing or incomplete Form 17
- Sample shipped frozen or at incorrect temperature
Understanding Your Results
Positive
High for CML diagnosis; guides targeted therapy like tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Negative
Low risk for Philadelphia-positive leukemia; monitor clinically.
Consult an oncologist or hematologist if you experience symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats, or if test results are positive. Regular follow-ups are essential for CML management.
Limitations
- ⚠Detects only BCR-ABL fusion; may miss other genetic abnormalities
- ⚠Cannot quantify fusion levels; use RT-PCR for that
- ⚠False negatives possible if Philadelphia translocation is absent
- ⚠Requires adequate viable cells for analysis
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk from blood draw: bruising, infection
- ●Bone marrow aspiration: slight pain, bleeding, infection (rare)
- ●No genetic risks from FISH testing itself
Interfering Factors
- ●Sample hemolysis or clotting
- ●Improper sample storage or transport
- ●Low cellularity in bone marrow samples
- ●Contamination during collection
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | FISH - BCR / ABL or Philadelphia Translocation Test | RT-PCR BCR-ABL | Bone Marrow Biopsy | Complete Blood Count (CBC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | FISH - BCR / ABL or Philadelphia Translocation Test | Quantitative; detects and measures BCR-ABL levels. FISH is qualitative but detects structural abnormalities. | Assesses bone marrow cellularity and morphology. FISH provides specific genetic insight. | Screens for abnormal blood cell counts. FISH confirms genetic basis of abnormalities. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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