BCR::ABL1 Minor Quantification (Accredited)

Please note this programme has successfully achieved UKAS (ISO17043) accreditation.  

Trial distribution mBCRQ 232401 (and onwards) will be formally scored and subject to performance monitoring as standard. The number of trial issues has increased from two to three per annum. 

BCR::ABL1 rearrangements at the minor breakpoint cluster region (m-BCR), leading to production of the p190 fusion protein, are most frequently associated with Ph-positive Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL) and a subset of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) patients. Quantification of minor BCR::ABL1 transcript (e1a2) levels can be utilised to monitor patient response to treatment and disease recurrence. 

Participants are provided with lyophilised cell line material for quantitative analysis of the BCR::ABL1 minor transcript. Participants are asked to submit quantitative results as % BCR::ABL1/reference gene together with details of their methodology. Instructions for the storage, reconstitution and use of the lyophilised samples are included with each sample send-out. Three distributions are issued per annum, with each send-out consisting of two samples. 

Some pre issue testing of samples activity for this programme is subcontracted, although the final decision about sample suitability lies with the EQA provider; no other activities in relation to this EQA programme are subcontracted. 

***New for 2024-2025***

Following the successful accreditation of the BCR::ABL1 Minor Quantification programme by UKAS (ISO 17043) and the increase in the number of trial issues from two to three per annum, we have now automated the data entry, analysis and reporting processes for the BCR::ABL1 Minor Quantification programme allowing for the implementation of formal performance monitoring. 

  Fusion Gene Nomenclature - Latest Update  

Following the recent publication of the HUGO Gene Nomenclature committee (HGNC) consensus statement regarding fusion gene nomenclature (Bruford et al. 2021), UK NEQAS LI are working to implement use of the double colon (::) for the description of fusion genes (e.g. BCR::ABL1). Historical nomenclature (e.g. BCR-ABL1) may persist in some areas of our website and documentation for an interim period due to IT constraints. 

Bruford EA, et al. HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) recommendations for the designation of gene fusions. Leukemia. 2021  

To register for this programme, please click here.