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
7-10 ml of peripheral blood taken from patients with CLL before treatment or at any stages when lymphocytes are > 4 x 10⁶/ml or > 40% of WBC.

Sent at ambient temperature and received by the HODS lab within 48 hours of collection.

If sample cannot be sent immediately after bleeding, keep in 4 degree fridge and send as soon as possible.

Contact HODS Molecular Biology Lab for further enquiries on Ext. 4326.

Back

Laboratory Services Home Page