Immunoglobulins (IG) are produced by and express on surface of B lymphocytes, including CLL cells. They are encoded by rearranged multiple genes, named variable (V), diversity (D) (only for heavy chain of IG), joining (J) and constant region (C) genes. The rearranged IG gene sequence is unique for each B-lymphocyte clone. Following this rearrangement, somatic hyper mutations (SHM) occur in the V genes to increase affinity of antigen binding. Among CLL patients, IG heavy chain V gene (IGHV) used and extent of the SHM in it are different, and associated with disease outcome. This molecular biology test is to identify such differences by analysis of IGHV gene sequence, in order to predict disease prognosis and response to certain therapies in CLL.

Sample requirements
10 ml of peripheral blood in EDTA tube(s) taken from patients with CLL before treatment or at any stages when lymphocytes are > 4 x 10⁶/ml or > 40% of WBC.

Samples must be received within 48 hours of collection.

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