KRAS Mutation Detection Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About KRAS Mutation Detection Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | KRAS Gene Mutation Analysis, K-RAS Mutation Test, KRAS Somatic Mutation Analysis, Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog Testing, FFPE Tissue KRAS Testing |
| Sample Type | Paraffin-embedded tissue block (tumour biopsy specimen) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Adults diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer or pancreatic cancer; both genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹7,500 |
What is a KRAS Mutation Detection Test?
The KRAS mutation detection test is a molecular genetic test that examines tumour tissue for specific changes (mutations) in the KRAS gene. Oncologists order this test to determine whether a patient's cancer carries a KRAS mutation, as this directly influences which treatments are likely to work. It is also known as KRAS Gene Mutation Analysis or KRAS Somatic Mutation Analysis. The sample used is typically a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block taken from a biopsy or surgical specimen.
What Does a KRAS Mutation Detection Test Measure?
The KRAS mutation detection test procedure analyses tumour DNA for changes at specific locations within the KRAS gene. Below are the key aspects the test evaluates.
| What Is Analysed | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| KRAS codon 12 mutations (G12A, G12C, G12D, G12R, G12S, G12V) | The most common mutation sites, their presence affects treatment eligibility |
| KRAS codon 13 mutation (G13D) | Another frequent change associated with altered treatment response |
| KRAS codon 61 mutations (Q61H, Q61K, Q61L, Q61R) | Less common but clinically relevant for therapy decisions |
| KRAS codons 117 and 146 (A146T) | Additional sites screened to ensure complete mutation profiling |
| Overall mutation status (wild-type vs mutant) | Determines whether the tumour is likely to respond to anti-EGFR targeted therapy |
The KRAS gene normally helps control cell growth. When it carries a mutation, cells may grow in an uncontrolled way, which is a key feature of certain cancers.
Why is a KRAS Mutation Detection Test Done?
This test is not ordered based on symptoms. It is prescribed after a cancer diagnosis to guide treatment planning. Here is when and why it is typically requested.
Common Situations That May Require This Test
- Newly diagnosed metastatic colorectal cancer, before starting targeted therapy
- Non-small cell lung cancer, to assess suitability for EGFR-directed treatment
- Pancreatic cancer workup, where KRAS changes are very common
- Suspected pancreaticobiliary or thyroid malignancy requiring molecular profiling
- Before prescribing anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody treatments
- Re-evaluation when cancer recurs or progresses after prior treatment
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect or Clarify
- Metastatic colorectal carcinoma: KRAS mutations present in 35% to 50% of cases
- Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: KRAS mutations found in 75% to 90% of cases
- Lung adenocarcinoma: mutations present in approximately 30% of cases
- Pancreaticobiliary and thyroid cancers: requiring cytological molecular workup
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. The tissue sample is usually already available from a prior biopsy or surgery.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test does not involve a routine blood draw that depends on dietary state. The sample is tumour tissue collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results and family history, as this is required for the test
- Discuss with your oncologist whether the tissue block from your primary tumour or a metastatic site is the appropriate sample
- If metastatic disease is present, the sample needed is typically from the metastatic lesion, not the original tumour site
- Inform your doctor about all current medications and ongoing treatments
- Ensure that a pathology report accompanies the specimen when submitting it to the laboratory
- Confirm with your oncologist whether an existing archived tissue block can be used or whether a fresh biopsy is needed
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Your oncologist or surgeon collects a tumour tissue sample via biopsy or during surgery; an archived tissue block from a previous procedure may also be used.
- The tissue is preserved using a standard formalin fixation and paraffin embedding process, resulting in an FFPE tissue block.
- The tissue block is packaged and transported to the laboratory at ambient temperature (18 to 28°C).
- Laboratory scientists extract DNA from the tumour tissue in the block.
- The DNA is analysed using Real-Time PCR (polymerase chain reaction), a highly sensitive technique that identifies specific mutations in the KRAS gene.
- Results are reported as either "mutation detected" or "no mutation detected" and are typically ready within 7 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several technical and sample-related factors can influence the reliability of KRAS mutation detection test results:
- Insufficient tumour tissue in the specimen (at least 10% tumour cell content is generally required)
- Poor sample fixation or degraded DNA due to improper specimen handling
- Sample integrity issues during storage or transport outside the recommended temperature range
- Tumour heterogeneity, where only some cancer cells carry the mutation (clonal variation)
- Certain rare KRAS mutations at atypical locations may not be detected by all testing methods
Understanding Your KRAS Mutation Detection Test Results
Results from this test are qualitative, indicating whether a mutation is present or absent rather than providing a numerical value. Always review your results with a qualified oncologist who can interpret them in the context of your full clinical picture.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| No mutation detected (wild-type) | The cancer may respond to anti-EGFR targeted therapy; however, this does not guarantee a response |
| Mutation detected (mutant) | The cancer is unlikely to respond to anti-EGFR therapy; specific mutations (e.g., G12C) may be targetable with variant-specific drugs |
| KRAS G12C mutation specifically | This variant may be targeted with specific inhibitors; discuss options with your oncologist |
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
- In certain situations, such as disease recurrence or progression, your oncologist may recommend repeat testing to reassess the mutation status, as tumour characteristics can evolve over time.
- Specimens with very low cellularity or inadequate tumour content may yield inconclusive results, requiring a deeper cut of the block or a repeat biopsy.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since this is a cancer biomarker test, "healthy levels" do not apply in the conventional sense. The following general points support your overall care:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your oncology team to stay on track with your treatment plan
- Keep a record of all test reports and share them with every healthcare provider involved in your care
- Discuss any questions about your KRAS status and what it means for your treatment options directly with your oncologist
Lupin Diagnostics KRAS Mutation Detection Test Price
The KRAS mutation detection test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹7,500. This test requires a tissue specimen and must be processed at a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 7500 |
| CHENNAI | 7500 |
| HYDERABAD | 7500 |
| KOLKATA | 7500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 7500 |
| PUNE | 7500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your KRAS mutation detection test online with Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit the sample; bring the tissue block or coordinate with your hospital for direct specimen dispatch.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The KRAS gene normally helps regulate cell growth. When a mutation occurs in this gene, the resulting protein becomes continuously active, causing cells to grow and divide without control. This makes KRAS mutation status a key piece of information when planning cancer treatment.
The KRAS mutation detection test is typically ordered for patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer or non-small cell lung cancer. It may also be recommended for pancreatic cancer and certain other malignancies when targeted therapy is being considered.
Cancers with a KRAS mutation generally do not respond to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody therapies. A wild-type (no mutation) result suggests the cancer may be eligible for these treatments. One specific variant, KRAS G12C, can be targeted with particular drugs designed for that mutation.
The standard sample is a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block from the tumour. This is obtained during a biopsy or surgical procedure. In some cases, your oncologist may recommend a liquid biopsy using a blood sample instead, depending on clinical circumstances.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically available within 7 days. Overall turnaround time can vary depending on sample quality and the specific analysis required.
No fasting or dietary preparation is needed. However, you must bring a detailed clinical history to the laboratory, and a pathology report should accompany the tissue specimen. Discuss the sample requirements with your oncologist before submitting.
KRAS mutations are present in the tumour at the time of testing, but tumour characteristics can evolve as cancer progresses. In certain situations, such as disease recurrence or progression, your oncologist may recommend repeat testing to reassess the mutation status.
KRAS Mutation Detection Test: Booking, Price, and Results
