9 replies to this topic

[Lisa Lisa]

This question is related to the PCR Lab Test. 

 

I went for my PCR test this morning. The lab at Sloan had a problem with my test of March 15.  I went to have it redone today, and I always ask them what test they are running to be sure it is the correct one.  I asked today and the tech said PCR, but the test tube top was clear.  I thought it should have been lavender/purple and I said this to him.  He said he was indeed testing the PCR.  

 

Me, being my usual worrying self, wanted a second opinion. I thought I read somewhere Trey had said lavender/purple is for PCR.

Trey, can you, or anyone in our forum answer this q for me?

 

Thanks

Lisa 

[Trey]

You remember correctly.  Lavender (purple) is normal, and yellow is acceptable.  There should not be a clear top tube since that is not a color. 

 

Which of these tubes was it:

http://www.bd.com/va...uide_VS5229.pdf

 

You are a good student, but a clarification is needed.  We should not simply ask for "PCR" but for "BCR-ABL PCR".  Several types of PCR exist for a variety of blood diseases.

Edited by Trey, 29 March 2016 - 08:07 PM.

[hannibellemo]

Trey,

 

The chart is confusing because it says a white top is used for PCR testing, too.

[gerry]

PCR mentioned there is for polymerase chain reaction. Probably why the blood collection agency I go to look at me strangely when I say PCR, I have to say BCR-ABL to them when they can't read my doc's writing on the request form. :-)

[Trey]

White top tube is used for PCR for HIV, Hepatitis-C, Cytomegalovirus, and other blood diseases.  I have never heard of white top tube being acceptable for BCR-ABL PCR. 

[Lisa Lisa]

I guess they did use a white top, not clear as I told Trey. In my original post.
This test tube was only for PCR, they weren't going to use it for CBC or CMP. They were retesting because there was a lab error two weeks ago, so I got the results of my other labs minus the PCR.
All I know is every time they do the PCR-or should I say the BCR ABL it is with a lavender top I always make sure. Thats why I panicked seeing white (clear). I dont know why it wasn't lavender
Even the tech said it was for PCR.

[Trey]

I would ask the Onc to confirm that white top tube is acceptable to the Sloan lab.  I would doubt it.  I have never seen a lab accept white top tube for BCR-ABL PCR.  The phlebotomist may have seen "PCR" and jumped to the conclusion (wrongly) that all PCRs are the same.  They are not.  You are not being tested for HIV, so white top is probably not appropriate.  Lavender or yellow are standard.  Each tube has different preservatives and mixing agents.

[Buzzm1]

Dx 2/2015 BCR-ABL1 (p210) 85.2% (IS) 3/15

     22%  5/15     0.13% 6/15   PCRU attained 9/15

Initial dose Sprycel 100 mg 3/15  Lowered 80 mg 5/15   Lowered 50 mg 1/16

Note: dose lowered bc of side effects - not bc onc wanted to reduce dosage

 

Sprycel: Currently 50 mg per day - taken 10 pm

Great quick response Lisa Lisa!! ... 

[CallMeLucky]

When I was at Sloan they always used lavender top tubes. If they are using white now that is a change.

[Lisa Lisa]

Call me Lucky and Trey,
I agree. Sloan has always drawn it using the lavender. Thats why I questioned the draw. I thoight this was wrong to use a different color. I've googled and searched multiple times and only lavender comes up. Guess Ill be retaking or have to wait another three months for the real deal.