BCR-ABL Molecular Genetic Testing
Alongside our comprehensive molecular oncology and haematology service, Australian Clinical Labs is offers both qualitative and quantitative BCR-ABL molecular genetic testing for haematological malignancies. Detection of the BCR-ABL fusion genes has diagnostic and therapeutic implications in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
The test is NATA/RCPA accredited and will be performed using a highly-sensitive quantitative PCR assay (ddPCR) at our Molecular Genetics Centre of Excellence in Melbourne, Victoria.
With BCR-ABL testing performed in-house at Clinical Labs, your patient results will be provided in the same convenient method as your other Clinical Labs results, and will be provided with a quicker turnaround time than previously. There is no change in test fee – with the BCR-ABL test able to be covered by Medicare for all eligible cases.
About the BCR-ABL gene fusion
The BCR-ABL gene fusion is acquired when pieces of chromosome 9 and chromosome 22 break off and switch places. The resulting chromosome 22 that has the BCR-ABL gene sequence is known as the Philadelphia chromosome. The BCR-ABL gene encodes an abnormal protein that is responsible for the development of CML and a type of ALL. This abnormal protein drives uncontrolled growth of leukemic cells. At diagnosis, 90-95% of cases of CML show the characteristic t(9;22) BCR-ABL reciprocal chromosomal translocation.
The content on our Molecular Cancer Services page is written by Associate Professor Mirette Saad, National Director of Molecular Genetics at Australian Clinical Labs.
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Assoc. Prof. Mirette Saad
MBBS (Hons), MD, MAACB, FRCPA, PhD
Lab: Clayton
Speciality: Chemical Pathology and Molecular Genetics
Areas Of Interest: Cancer Genetics, Antenatal Screening, NIPT, Endocrine, Fertility Testing and Research, Medical Teaching
Phone: 1300 134 111
Email: mirette.saad@clinicallabs.com.au
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Associate Professor Mirette Saad is a Consultant Chemical Pathologist and the National Director of Molecular Genetics at Australian Clinical Labs. She has a Fellowship with honours in Chemical and Molecular Pathology, with Microbiology sub-speciality, from Suez Canal University, Egypt. A/P Saad received her NHMRC sponsored PhD degree in Cancer Genetics from Melbourne University and Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute. Along with her teaching and research roles, A/P Saad is a registered medical practitioner with AHPRA, a Chemical Pathology Fellow (FRCPA) at the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and a Member of the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (MAACB). She is a Chair of the RCPA Chemical Pathology Advisory Committee, Member of the RCPA Genetic Advisory Committee, AACB and a Chair of the Precision Medicine Services at Australian Clinical Labs. At Clinical Labs, A/Prof Mirette Saad leads the Molecular Genetic testing for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), antenatal screening, personalised drug therapy and cancer.
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