Cytogenetic testing examines cells from the bone marrow samples for chromosomes abnormalities and gene mutations.
Chromosome abnormalities or gene mutations tests: Blood or bone marrow may be tested to check for chromosome abnormalities or gene mutations in the leukaemia cells.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: This test is used to analyse genetic information and can be performed using a regular blood sample. It involves duplicating small segments of DNA, because large amounts of a sample of DNA are necessary for genetic analyses. It is a fast and inexpensive process.
PCR tests can measure the amount of the BCR‑ABL1 gene which is characteristic of CML.
PCR tests are done throughout the treatment period to monitor response and any changes required to the treatment regimen.
