2 replies to this topic

[hwccritch]

I was diagnosed with cml in June 2006.  On December 31, 2006 my pcr came back 0:100000.  I have traveled quite a bit, living in several different areas of eastern U.S.  I have been seen by 4 different doctors(Lexington, KY, Charleston, SC, and Nashville, TN).  My 6month pcr's were all 0:100,000 until 18 months ago. February 2010 was 0:100,000, August 2010 was 1:100,000, February 2011 was 1:100,000 and the most recent was 4:100,000.  The last 3 test were run and Vanderbilt University Lab.  What is the margin of error for the pcr for bcr?  At what point should one become concerned?

[Trey]

I do not know why these would even be reported as numbers.  Normally the report should say: "positive but below the level of quantitation".  The error rate for the BCR-ABL PCR can be up to 1/2 log.  You might want to try a different lab just to confirm if your Onc can do that.

[hwccritch]

I have used 4 different labs over the last 5 years and they all report it quantitatively e.g. 1/100,000 = .00001 with an explanation that the finding indicates progression free for subsequent 12 months.  I have looked at all by pcrs dating back to diagnosis and they all read that way, from 4 different labs