🔬 What is the Test?
The PML-RARA test detects the PML-RARA fusion gene, which is a genetic abnormality found in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML). This test is essential for diagnosing, classifying, and monitoring this aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
📊 Normal Ranges:
Negative for PML-RARA Fusion Gene → Normal (No APML detected)
Positive for PML-RARA Fusion Gene → Confirms APML diagnosis
(Results should be interpreted with clinical and laboratory findings.)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Confirms APML Diagnosis
✅ Helps classify APML for targeted therapy
✅ Guides treatment using ATRA (All-Trans Retinoic Acid) & Arsenic Trioxide
✅ Monitors minimal residual disease (MRD) and treatment response
✅ Detects relapse after treatment
🩺 When is it Recommended?
🔹 Patients with symptoms of APML (fatigue, unexplained bruising, bleeding, frequent infections)
🔹 Unusual blood smear findings (promyelocytes, low platelets, abnormal white blood cells)
🔹 Before starting ATRA-based therapy for APML
🔹 Monitoring APML patients post-treatment to detect remission or relapse
📝 How is the Test Done?
1️⃣ Sample Collection – Blood or bone marrow sample is taken.
2️⃣ Laboratory Analysis – PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) or FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) detects the PML-RARA fusion gene.
3️⃣ Result Interpretation – Confirms diagnosis, guides treatment, and helps track disease progression.
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📉 Negative PML-RARA Test:
No APML detected
Other causes of leukemia or blood disorders may be investigated
📈 Positive PML-RARA Test:
Confirms APML diagnosis
Requires urgent treatment with ATRA & Arsenic Trioxide
Regular monitoring needed to assess response and detect relapse
📌 Infographic Design Idea:
✔ Medical color scheme (red, white, blue)
✔ Illustration of PML-RARA gene fusion in leukemia cells
✔ Flowchart of APML diagnosis & treatment pathway
✔ Table differentiating normal vs. abnormal test results