Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Test
About Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | bFGF, Basic FGF, FGF-2, Heparin-binding Growth Factor 2 (HBGF-2) |
| Sample Type | Serum |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 23 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender, typically ordered for cancer patients or those being assessed for cardiovascular conditions |
| Price | Starting at ₹14,280 |
What is a Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Test?
The FGF2 test measures the level of basic fibroblast growth factor, a signalling protein, in your blood. Doctors order this test to assess cancer progression, monitor known blood cancers, or evaluate heart conditions. Also called the bFGF or FGF-2 test, it uses a serum sample drawn from a vein in your arm.
What Does a Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Test Measure?
This test quantifies FGF2, a growth factor that controls how cells grow, divide, and repair themselves. The table below explains what the test analyses.
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| FGF2 protein level | Indicates the amount of basic fibroblast growth factor circulating in your blood |
| Angiogenic activity | Reflects the growth factor's role in forming new blood vessels, which is relevant in tumour growth and heart disease |
| Cell growth signalling | Shows how actively this protein is stimulating growth in connective tissue, blood vessel lining, and other cells |
Why is a Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Test Done?
This test is ordered in specific clinical situations, not as a routine screening tool. Your doctor may request it based on your symptoms or medical history.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt your doctor to request an FGF2 test:
- Unexplained, persistent fatigue
- Shortness of breath without a clear cause
- Suspected cancer symptoms such as unexplained weight loss or night sweats
- Non-healing wounds or slow tissue repair
- Persistent bone pain
- Monitoring of a known blood cancer diagnosis
- Signs or symptoms of heart failure
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
Your doctor may use the FGF2 test to help assess the following conditions:
- Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML), a cancer affecting white blood cells
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a cancer affecting lymphocytes
- Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow
- Solid tumours, including endometrial, colorectal, oesophageal, liver, renal, and testicular cancers
- Heart failure, where FGF2 may contribute to scarring and enlargement of the heart
- Vascular diseases including atherosclerosis
Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
FGF2 is an independent prognostic indicator for patients with CML, CLL, and multiple myeloma. The test helps doctors gauge disease progression and how well a patient is responding to cancer treatment. It may be repeated at intervals to track changes in FGF2 levels over time.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward. No special steps are needed for most patients, but a few simple measures will help ensure an accurate result.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the FGF2 test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, check whether those tests require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help you prepare for sample collection:
- Drink adequate water before your appointment to stay hydrated, as this helps with blood draw
- Inform your doctor or the phlebotomist about all medications and supplements you are currently taking
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy access to your arm
- A morning sample may be preferred by some laboratories; follow any specific instructions given to you
- Avoid intense physical activity immediately before the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand with an antiseptic wipe.
- A tourniquet (a soft elastic band) is placed around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- A fine needle is inserted into a suitable vein, and approximately 3 ml of blood is drawn into a collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the puncture site.
- A small dressing or plaster is placed over the site.
- The sample is labelled and transported to the laboratory under refrigerated conditions for processing.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may affect the reliability of your result:
- Improper storage or temperature of the sample during transport
- Haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells in the sample)
- Delay between sample collection and processing
- Active infections or inflammatory conditions at the time of testing
- Concurrent cancer treatment, which may alter FGF2 levels
- Repeated freezing and thawing of the stored sample
Understanding Your Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Test Results
Your results will show the measured FGF2 level in your blood, expressed in picograms per millilitre (pg/mL). A doctor should always review these findings in the context of your overall health.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Elevated May Suggest | Low May Suggest |
|---|---|---|---|
| FGF2 (serum) | Approximately 7.26 ± 3.90 pg/mL | Cancer progression, heart failure, or active inflammation | Impaired wound healing, potential issues with bone formation or blood pressure regulation |
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 health states can influence FGF2 levels independently of any primary condition being tested for.
Active inflammatory conditions and chronic inflammation can raise FGF2 levels, as the protein is upregulated in response to inflammatory signals. Ongoing infections may temporarily alter results.
If you are receiving cancer treatment at the time of testing, your FGF2 levels may be affected by the therapy itself, and your doctor will account for this when interpreting findings.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits support overall cellular and cardiovascular health:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Engage in regular physical activity to support cardiovascular function and natural tissue repair
- Manage chronic inflammatory conditions with appropriate medical guidance to avoid sustained elevation of inflammatory markers
Lupin Diagnostics Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Test Price and Home Collection
The FGF2 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹14,280, and home sample collection is available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 14280 |
| CHENNAI | 14280 |
| HYDERABAD | 14280 |
| KOLKATA | 14280 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 14280 |
| PUNE | 14280 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
The steps below explain how to complete your FGF2 test online booking:
- Select the Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
FGF2 test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist visits your location to collect the serum sample, which is then transported under appropriate refrigerated conditions to an NABL-accredited laboratory. Your digital report is delivered to you once the result is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FGF2 test measures basic fibroblast growth factor in your blood. It is primarily used as a prognostic marker in blood cancers such as chronic myeloid leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, and multiple myeloma. It may also help assess risk in heart failure patients.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before the test. If your doctor has ordered other tests at the same time, check whether those have fasting requirements.
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm during the FGF2 test procedure. The sample is processed in the laboratory using a technique called EIA (enzyme immunoassay), which detects and measures the FGF2 protein in your serum.
Elevated FGF2 levels may be associated with cancer progression, heart failure, or active inflammatory conditions. High levels have been linked to advanced tumour stages and reduced survival in certain cancers. Your doctor will interpret your result alongside other clinical findings before drawing any conclusions.
The report is delivered within 23 days. This is a specialised test that requires careful processing, which accounts for the longer turnaround time compared to routine blood tests.
Yes, FGF2 test home collection is available through Lupin Diagnostics. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home to collect the blood sample and ensure it is transported to the laboratory under the correct storage conditions.
No, this is not a routine screening test. It is a specialised test ordered by a doctor when there is a specific clinical reason, such as suspected or known cancer, monitoring of treatment response, or evaluation of heart failure.
Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Test
