need help with numbers please

Hi Hannah, sorry no one else has answered but I will attempt to give you a view on your numbers.
The difference between your Feb and April results is one log- in other words there is one less zero after the decimal point.

However, the April result may well be a 'one off' as any result depends on how good the sample was- i.e the number of ABL or normal control gene transcripts (BCR or GUS depending on the one the lab prefers) present in that particular sample.

The BCR-ABL1 gene (present on the PH chromosome (#22)) expresses a corresponding mRNA protein, also called Bcr-Abl.

The PCR test extracts this mRNA protein (a tyrosine kinase) and measures how much of that is present in the sample, this in turn reflects the number of cells that are positive for the BCR-ABL1 gene.

To get a meaningful result from any PCR test, the Bcr-Abl mRNA (the 'messenger' tyrosine kinase protein) must be compared to the amount of mRNA protein from the normal gene (e.g. ABL or BCR) that the lab uses as their control gene.... in the case of Hammersmith the control gene used is ABL.

There must be the same proportion of normal mRNA protein to correctly assess the level of abnormal mRNA present in any given sample.

That is why you cannot really predict how you are doing from just one PCR result- If your next 2 PCR results show the same or similar result as Aprils, then you might need to discuss why this might be with your doctor. If it is higher then is might indicate a need for a higher dose of imatinib (depending on your side effect profile) or a change to another 2G TKI.

How long have your results been at MR5 (0.001%)? If you have had stable results like this for some time then it is much more than likely that the April result is a 'blip' and your next result will show a return to the previous number of zeros i.e 0.001%/MR5.

If this is confusing let me know and I will try to explain further, but do not worry.

Sandy