Question 1

What's this test for?

Accepted Answer

This test is ideal if you're being treated for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) with a kinase inhibitor drug like Gleevec and your care team wants to check whether your leukemia cells have developed changes that make the drug less effective. It's also useful if your CML has stopped responding as well as it used to, or if your blood counts are moving in the wrong direction despite treatment. This test looks for specific mutations that explain why certain kinase inhibitor drugs may stop working.

Question 2

What happens after I get my results?

Accepted Answer

Your results will be available in your account, with an explanation of what a positive or negative mutation finding means. If a resistance mutation is found, next steps typically involve reviewing which kinase inhibitor therapies are still likely to work, since different mutations respond differently to different drugs. A full lab report is available for download from your account, and you can track results over time using the trends feature if you're retested during treatment. Because CML treatment decisions are time-sensitive, don't wait to act on concerning results.

Question 3

What's included in this test?

Accepted Answer

This test sequences exons 4-9 of the ABL1 kinase gene and detects drug-resistance mutations including G250E, Y253H, E255K/V, V299L, F311L/V/I, T315I/A, F317L/V/I/C, A337T, F359V/I/C, and P465S. These specific mutations are checked because each one can change how the BCR-ABL protein responds to different kinase inhibitor drugs, and knowing exactly which mutation (if any) is present helps guide the choice of the most effective ongoing therapy.

Question 4

Who should consider this test?

Accepted Answer

This test is meant for people already diagnosed with CML who are on kinase inhibitor therapy and showing signs their treatment isn't working as well as expected. It's also considered when someone in blast crisis phase isn't responding to initial treatment. It is not a general screening test for the public — it's specifically used during active CML management.

Question 5

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Accepted Answer

Signs that your CML treatment may be losing effectiveness include rising white blood cell counts, new or worsening fatigue, unexplained bruising or bleeding, night sweats, or an enlarging spleen (felt as fullness or pain on the left side of your belly). Weight loss and bone pain can also signal the disease is progressing. If your regular blood work shows your counts trending the wrong way after a period of improvement, that's often the trigger for this kind of mutation testing.

Question 6

What is a kinase domain mutation and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A kinase domain mutation is a small change in the genetic code of the abnormal protein (BCR-ABL) that drives CML. This protein is the target of drugs like Gleevec, but certain mutations change its shape just enough that the drug can no longer attach to it and block it effectively. Identifying exactly which mutation is present helps match you to a kinase inhibitor that can still work despite the change.

Question 7

What does a positive result mean?

Accepted Answer

A positive result means a specific mutation was found in the ABL1 kinase gene, which may explain why your current treatment isn't controlling your CML as well as expected. Different mutations respond differently — some drugs still work against certain mutations, while others don't. This information is used to help pick the next treatment option most likely to succeed.

Question 8

What does a negative result mean?

Accepted Answer

A negative result means none of the known resistance mutations covered by this test were detected in the exons examined. This doesn't rule out other causes of treatment resistance, such as not taking medication consistently or other biological factors. If your counts are still not improving, additional testing or a treatment review may be needed.

Question 9

What causes these resistance mutations to develop?

Accepted Answer

Resistance mutations tend to arise from the natural instability of cancer cells as they divide repeatedly, especially under the selective pressure of ongoing drug treatment. Cells carrying a mutation that lets them survive the drug can multiply while drug-sensitive cells are killed off, eventually becoming the dominant population. This is more likely to happen the longer CML is active or under-controlled, which is part of why early, consistent treatment matters.

Question 10

How often should I retest?

Accepted Answer

Retesting is typically driven by how your blood counts and disease markers are trending during treatment, rather than a fixed schedule — many people are tested again if their response plateaus or reverses after previously improving. Your trends dashboard can help you and your treatment team see patterns over time. Discuss timing with whoever is managing your CML treatment plan based on your specific monitoring schedule.

Question 11

What should I do if my results show a resistance mutation?

Accepted Answer

If a resistance mutation is detected, the next step is usually a review of alternative kinase inhibitor drugs that remain effective against that specific mutation. Keep taking your current medication as prescribed unless told otherwise, since stopping abruptly can allow the disease to progress. Bring your downloadable lab report to your next treatment review so the specific mutation and its treatment implications can be discussed.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

ABL Kinase Mutation Test for CML Treatment Resistance

ABL Kinase Domain Mutation

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient