Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Gene Rearrangement (IgH)

Molecular Haematology

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Description

IgH genes rearrange during B cell development selecting any one of 250 variable segments, 30 diversity segments and 5 J segments to form the rearranged gene ( V-D-J ). In a clonal population this rearrangement will be the same for all cells and thus detectable as a band after amplification of the rearranged gene.This method combines the FR2c primer based on Ramassay et al ( 1992 ) J.Clin.Path.45 770 and Diss et al ( 1993 ) J.Pathol.169 291. See also Aubin et al ( 1995 ). The comparison of this primer with consensus sequence derived from the FR2 region of each family indicated a significant mismatch at 3' end of VH6 and to a lesser extent of VH5 that would potentially prevent amplification. FR2c was therefore designed for VH1 - VH4 and combined with VH5 and VH6 primers from the FR1f strategy ( Owen et al 1995 )

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Indications

Used to detect and monitor clonal B cell populations.

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Sample Type

5ml EDTA blood or bone marrow, less than 48 hrs old.

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Turnaround Time

Within 4 weeks

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Testing Frequency

As required.

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External Notes

�Level of detection FR1c is 1:104, FR256 1:5x103 and FR3 1:103 clonal cells : normal cells.

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Patient Preparation

Ideally 2 clonal markers identified at diagnosis.

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