What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're being evaluated for a suspected blood cancer called acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), especially when initial testing raised concerns but wasn't fully conclusive. It looks for a specific genetic change in your cells that confirms whether APL is present and helps guide which treatments will actually work for you. It's typically ordered as a follow-up when a related test comes back negative but symptoms or bone marrow findings still point toward this condition.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your account along with an explanation of what a positive or negative finding means for this genetic marker. If the test confirms the genetic change, the report explains what that means and next steps typically involve urgent follow-up given how time-sensitive APL treatment is. You can download the full lab report from your account at any time, and if repeat testing is needed to monitor treatment response over time, you'll be able to track those results using the trends feature.

Who should consider this test?

This test is meant for people who already have signs pointing toward acute promyelocytic leukemia, such as unusual bruising, bleeding, or abnormal findings on a bone marrow exam. It's especially useful when an initial genetic test for the more common translocation came back negative but there's still strong suspicion of APL. It may also be used to check treatment progress or watch for early signs of relapse in someone previously diagnosed.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms that might prompt this test include easy bruising, unusual bleeding from gums or nose, tiny red or purple spots on the skin, and extreme fatigue. These can happen because APL interferes with normal blood clotting and blood cell production. If a bone marrow test or blood work already suggested a leukemia-like condition, this test helps pin down the exact genetic cause.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically available within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Because this test involves specialized genetic analysis, it takes a bit longer than routine blood work. You'll receive a notification as soon as your results are ready to view in your account.

What is the RARA gene and why does it matter?

RARA is a gene that normally helps control how blood cells mature and develop properly. In acute promyelocytic leukemia, this gene gets fused with another gene due to a chromosome rearrangement, which blocks blood cells from maturing correctly and allows abnormal cells to build up. Finding this rearrangement is important because it confirms the diagnosis and shows that certain targeted treatments are likely to work.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the lab found a rearrangement involving the RARA gene, which supports a diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia or a related variant. This is significant because it means specific treatments, rather than general chemotherapy alone, may be effective for you. Because APL can progress quickly and involves serious bleeding risks, a positive result should prompt seeking medical care right away.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means this particular RARA rearrangement was not detected in the sample tested. This doesn't fully rule out leukemia, since other genetic changes or a sampling issue could still be at play. If symptoms persist or other test results remain concerning, additional testing or repeat sampling may be recommended.

How often should this test be repeated?

This isn't a routine or repeat wellness test — it's typically ordered once for diagnosis, or periodically during and after treatment to monitor response and check for relapse. Your testing schedule during treatment monitoring depends on your specific clinical situation. Repeat testing is generally only useful when there's an active reason to check status again, such as tracking treatment effectiveness.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result comes back positive for a RARA rearrangement, this is time-sensitive and warrants seeking medical care immediately, since APL can progress quickly and carries serious bleeding risks if untreated. Bring your report with you so it can be reviewed alongside your other test results and symptoms. Early treatment with targeted therapies has dramatically improved outcomes for this condition when started promptly.

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.

How do I know which test to get?

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.

When will my lab results be available?

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.

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?

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.

Do you accept health insurance?

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.

Can I cancel my order?

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.

How can I find a lab location near me?

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.

FISH APL Test - RARA Gene Leukemia Detection

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!

754-799-7833

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