Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Used for monitoring chronic myeloid leukaemia as per national and international guidelines. CML arises from the fusion of the BCR and ABL1 gene due to a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a method used to determine copy numbers of ABL1 and BCR::ABL1. Results are reported as a ratio between BCR::ABL1 and ABL1.
Specimen container paediatric:
EDTA blood
Specimen container adult:
EDTA blood
Minimum volume paediatric:
5 mL
Minimum volume adult:
5 mL
Special requirements:
Please complete NEHODS request form
Sample stability:
Needs to be received within 24hrs of sampling
Transport requirements:
Samples should be sent to laboratory immediately.
Availability:
Daily 9-5
Freq analysis:
Daily
Add on test:
Can be added to any genetics sample where appropriate material has been stored
Quality assurance:
UK NEQASLI
Interpretation:
By genetics clinical scientist
Reference ranges:
N/A
Factors affecting result:
Quality and size of sample
Referenced documents:
N/A
Other info:
Samples should be sent at timelines according to BSH and ELN guidelines. A baseline PCR will be performed for all new cases of CML. This assay only picks up the major e13a2 and/or e14a2 breakpoint. If the major breakpoint is not detected samples will be referred to another laboratory to confirm the breakpoint and to deliver ongoing monitoring. The major breakpoint is reported on the international scale by use of a laboratory specific conversion factor. ABL1 kinase domain mutations are a cause of tyrosine kinase resistance in patients with CML. ABL1 kinase domain mutation resistance can be added on and is performed by NGS by the South East Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SE HMDS).