3 replies to this topic

[CMLMN]

It was discussed on the old thread last month - http://ubb-lls.leuke...TML/001736.html

I have a follow up question.  My lab used to return results within a week the first several times they did the test but starting last September it started taking about 2 weeks.  My doctor didn't think anything bad about it.  After reading the previous thread, I think I need to raise it as an issue.  I read through all the test documentation she gave and it doesn't indicate whether the sample was frozen or not.  At the top of the last report, it says collected 2/27 9:06, received 2/27 11:04, reported 3/10.  From this it looks like the sample got to the analyzing place in 2 hours but then they took 11 days to process.  Thanks.

[Trey]

More likely the sample was tested immediately but the paperwork took many days longer.  This is a standard problem with these labs and their interface with the Oncs.  It makes no sense to me that a sample is processed within a day or so, but it takes several weeks to get the results of that test.  This is the definition of bureaucracy.

[CMLMN]

Trey, thanks for your reply.  There is a stamp on the report that shows when my onc. received the test results and it is a day later than the Reported date.  You think the lab analyzed the sample but then took an extra week to create the report?  Is there a way to find out? 

[Trey]

The report should have the date of processing.  Ask your Onc to verify that it was done within 48 hours.  Most likely it was if the PCR was positive for BCR-ABL.  Any PCR done after more than a couple days old (unless frozen) will read negative since all the cells are dead.