RARA/PML Quantitative Test
Short Name: RARA/PML Quantitative
Also known as: PML/RARA Quantitative Test, t(15;17) Quantitative PCR
RARA/PML Quantitative Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹11,560. Uses Real Time RT-PCR on Whole Blood, Culture Cells, Bone Marrow Aspirate samples. Results in Reports are typically available within 3 working days. You will receive an email notification with a link to view your report online, and a hard copy can be provided upon request.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the RARA/PML Quantitative Test is to detect and quantify the PML-RARA fusion gene transcript, which is pathognomonic for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). This test is used for: 1) Confirming the diagnosis of APL in patients with clinical and hematological suspicion. 2) Assessing the baseline level of fusion transcripts for risk stratification. 3) Monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) during and after therapy to evaluate treatment response. 4) Detecting early relapse, allowing timely intervention. 5) Guiding therapeutic decisions, particularly the use of targeted agents like ATRA and arsenic trioxide. The quantitative nature of the test provides valuable information on disease burden, which is crucial for personalized patient management.
- Test Code
- 6240
- CPT Code
- 83891
- ICD Code
- C92.4
- Price
- ₹11,560
- Sample Type
- Whole Blood, Culture Cells, Bone Marrow Aspirate
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available within 3 working days. You will receive an email notification with a link to view your report online, and a hard copy can be provided upon request.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real Time RT-PCR
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. However, patients must sign a consent document and provide relevant clinical history. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially those affecting blood counts.
Method: Venipuncture or bone marrow aspiration by trained professional
Laboratory Analysis
A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm, or a bone marrow aspirate will be collected by a healthcare professional. The procedure is quick and may cause minor discomfort.
Report Delivery
After blood collection, you can resume normal activities. If bone marrow aspiration was performed, you may experience soreness at the site; apply ice and avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. Report any unusual bleeding or pain to your doctor.
Timeline: Reports are typically available within 3 working days. You will receive an email notification with a link to view your report online, and a hard copy can be provided upon request.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the RARA/PML Quantitative Test is to detect and quantify the PML-RARA fusion gene transcript, which is pathognomonic for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). This test is used for: 1) Confirming the diagnosis of APL in patients with clinical and hematological suspicion. 2) Assessing the baseline level of fusion transcripts for risk stratification. 3) Monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) during and after therapy to evaluate treatment response. 4) Detecting early relapse, allowing timely intervention. 5) Guiding therapeutic decisions, particularly the use of targeted agents like ATRA and arsenic trioxide. The quantitative nature of the test provides valuable information on disease burden, which is crucial for personalized patient management.
How to Prepare
- Consent document must be signed before sample collection.
- Bring any relevant clinical history or previous test reports.
- For bone marrow aspirate, the procedure will be performed by a qualified hematologist/oncologist.
- Ensure the sample is transported to the laboratory immediately after collection.
- Do not eat or drink restrictions are required for this test.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"Early detection of PML/RARA fusion transcripts is critical for timely initiation of targeted therapy in APL, significantly improving survival outcomes."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed or clotted sample
- Incorrect sample container (e.g., heparin instead of EDTA for blood)
- Sample received after 48 hours without proper storage
- Insufficient sample volume
- Missing consent form or clinical history
Understanding Your Results
Confirms APL. Baseline level helps in risk stratification and treatment planning.
Indicates molecular remission, a favorable prognostic sign.
Suggests impending relapse; prompt clinical action is required.
May indicate minimal residual disease; close monitoring is essential.
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as unexplained bruising, bleeding, fatigue, fever, or frequent infections. Early diagnosis of APL is critical for successful treatment. If you have been diagnosed with APL, regular follow-up with quantitative RARA/PML testing is essential to monitor treatment response and detect relapse early.
Limitations
- ⚠This test is specific for PML-RARA fusion; other genetic abnormalities in AML will not be detected.
- ⚠Rare variant translocations (e.g., t(11;17)) may not be detected by standard PML-RARA assay.
- ⚠Quantitative results may vary between laboratories; serial monitoring should be done in the same lab.
- ⚠False negatives can occur if the sample is not collected or processed properly.
- ⚠The test does not provide information on disease prognosis beyond the molecular marker.
- ⚠Interpretation requires correlation with clinical and morphological findings.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or bleeding at the blood draw site
- ●Infection (rare) at the bone marrow aspiration site
- ●Discomfort or pain during bone marrow aspiration
- ●Anxiety or dizziness during sample collection
Interfering Factors
- ●Hemolysis or clot formation in the sample may degrade RNA and affect results.
- ●Inadequate sample volume or improper storage conditions can lead to false negatives.
- ●Recent blood transfusion may dilute leukemic cells, potentially reducing sensitivity.
- ●Concurrent infections or high white blood cell counts may interfere with RNA extraction.
- ●Patient on certain medications (e.g., ATRA) may show reduced transcript levels, affecting interpretation.
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | RARA/PML Quantitative Test | Complete Blood Count (CBC) | Bone Marrow Biopsy | Cytogenetic Analysis (Karyotyping) | Flow Cytometry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | RARA/PML Quantitative Test |
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