BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, Blood or Bone Marrow Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, Blood or Bone Marrow Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BRAF V600E Mutation Analysis, BRAF Mutation Detection for HCL, BRAF V600E PCR Test |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate (EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 8 days |
| Recommended For | Adults with suspected hairy cell leukaemia; males and females (HCL is four times more common in males) |
| Price | Starting at ₹7,500 |
What is a BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, Blood or Bone Marrow Test?
The BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, blood or bone marrow test is a molecular diagnostic test that detects a specific genetic change in the BRAF gene. This mutation is found in nearly all cases of classical hairy cell leukaemia (HCL), a rare type of blood cancer. The test is also known as BRAF V600E Mutation Analysis or BRAF Mutation Detection for HCL.
Doctors order this test when a patient shows signs that suggest HCL, or to distinguish HCL from similar conditions. A bone marrow sample is collected and analysed using Real-Time PCR, a highly sensitive molecular method.
What does a BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, Blood or Bone Marrow Test Measure?
This test looks for a specific alteration in the BRAF gene where one amino acid (valine) is replaced by another (glutamic acid) at position 600 of the protein. The key elements assessed are listed below.
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| BRAF V600E Mutation Status | Whether the mutation is present or absent in the sample |
| RAF-MEK-ERK Pathway Activation | The mutation causes this signalling pathway to stay permanently switched on, driving uncontrolled cell growth |
Why is a BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, Blood or Bone Marrow Test Done?
This test is ordered in specific clinical situations where a blood cancer is suspected or needs to be monitored. The sections below outline the common reasons.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Doctors may recommend this test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Unusual bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding
- Abdominal fullness or discomfort caused by an enlarged spleen
- Recurrent infections that are slow to resolve
- Heavy menstrual periods in women
- Unexplained weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The BRAF V600E PCR test can assist in identifying or ruling out the following conditions:
- Classical hairy cell leukaemia (HCL)
- HCL-variant (HCL-v), which typically does not carry this mutation
- Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL), a condition that can mimic HCL
- Certain papillary thyroid cancers in which BRAF mutations play a role
- Eligibility for BRAF-targeted therapies in patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant disease
BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, Blood or Bone Marrow Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Once a diagnosis of HCL is confirmed, quantitative PCR-based testing can be used to track treatment response over time. Detecting measurable residual disease (MRD) after treatment helps doctors assess whether the cancer has responded well and whether relapse is occurring early. Clearing MRD is associated with better long-term outcomes in patients with advanced HCL.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward. The sections below cover everything you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You may eat and drink as normal on the day of your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before attending your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for a few hours before the test
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the arm or hip area
- Follow any specific instructions given by your haematologist or healthcare provider
Step-by-Step Procedure
The BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, blood or bone marrow test procedure involves the following steps:
- Bone Marrow Sample Collection: A trained haematologist will explain the procedure and administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area, usually around the hip bone.
- A small needle is used to draw approximately 2 ml of bone marrow aspirate into an EDTA (lavender top) tube.
- The sample is labelled and stored at refrigeration temperature (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) to preserve its integrity.
- The sample is transported promptly to the laboratory under controlled conditions.
- In the laboratory, DNA is extracted from the bone marrow cells.
- A Real-Time PCR assay is run to detect whether the BRAF V600E mutation is present in the sample. Property standard ordering strictly applied.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of your test result:
- Sample quality: haemolysed or clotted samples may be rejected
- Tumour burden: a higher proportion of cancer cells in the sample improves detection
- Low disease levels may produce a false-negative result if below the assay's detection limit
- Standard assays detect V600E specifically; rare BRAF variants may not be picked up
- Timely transport and correct storage of the sample are critical for accurate analysis
Understanding Your BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, Blood or Bone Marrow Test Results
Your results will be reported as either detected (positive) or not detected (negative) for the BRAF V600E mutation. A doctor will always interpret the result alongside your clinical history, blood counts, and other laboratory findings.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Not Detected (Negative) | Wild-type BRAF gene; this specific mutation is absent |
| Detected (Positive) | Mutation is present; strongly supports a diagnosis of classical HCL |
| Indeterminate | Result is inconclusive; repeat testing or additional investigations may be needed |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain clinical situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- When disease levels are very low, the mutation may not be detectable even if present. This is more likely in patients who have already received treatment.
- A bone marrow "dry tap" (where little or no aspirate is obtained) can make diagnosis difficult and may require a repeat procedure or an alternative sample.
- In relapsed disease, the BRAF V600E-positive cell population tends to persist without developing additional mutations, making the test useful at relapse as well.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a diagnostic and monitoring test rather than a routine wellness check, lifestyle tips are different from those for standard blood tests. The following guidance applies:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your haematologist to monitor disease status over time
- Report any new or worsening symptoms, such as unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, or unusual bleeding, to your doctor promptly
- Take all prescribed medications as directed and discuss any concerns about side effects with your care team
Lupin Diagnostics BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, Blood or Bone Marrow Test Price
The BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, blood or bone marrow test is priced starting at ₹7,500 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test due to the specialist nature of bone marrow sample collection.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 16000 |
| CHENNAI | 16000 |
| HYDERABAD | 16000 |
| KOLKATA | 16000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 7500 |
| PUNE | 16000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
You can book this test through the following steps:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection by a trained specialist.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BRAF V600E mutation is the defining genetic event in classical hairy cell leukaemia. It causes a cell signalling pathway to stay permanently active, leading to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal blood cells. This mutation is found in nearly all classical HCL cases, making it central to diagnosis.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. Do inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some may be relevant to the test or the procedure.
A positive result means the BRAF V600E mutation has been detected in your sample. This strongly supports a diagnosis of classical hairy cell leukaemia. Your haematologist will confirm the diagnosis using additional tests such as flow cytometry and will discuss the next steps with you.
A negative result means the BRAF V600E mutation was not found. This may suggest conditions such as HCL-variant or splenic marginal zone lymphoma, both of which require different treatment approaches. Your doctor will use other investigations alongside the BRAF V600E mutation analysis to reach a final diagnosis.
Bone marrow aspiration must be performed by a specialist haematologist in a clinical setting using sterile technique and local anaesthesia. The sample also requires careful handling and prompt refrigerated transport to ensure accurate molecular analysis, making centre-based collection necessary.
Yes. Quantitative PCR-based BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, blood or bone marrow test methods can track residual disease after treatment and help detect early relapse. Your haematologist will advise on how often monitoring tests are needed based on your individual situation.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 8 days. Turnaround time for the BRAF V600E PCR test can vary depending on the methodology used and the specific laboratory processing the sample.
BRAF V600E for Hairy Cell Leukaemia, Blood or Bone Marrow Test: Booking, Price, and Results
