KRAS Mutation Screening (Codons 12 & 13) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About KRAS Mutation Screening (Codons 12 & 13) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | KRAS Gene Mutation Analysis, KRAS Codon 12/13 Mutation Test, K-RAS Mutation Screening, Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog Test |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Adults diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) |
| Price | Starting at ₹8,400 |
What Is a KRAS Mutation Screening (Codons 12 & 13) Test?
The KRAS Mutation Screening test examines tumour tissue for specific changes (mutations) in the KRAS gene, particularly at codons 12 and 13. The KRAS gene normally helps control cell growth; when mutated, it can cause cells to grow uncontrollably. Also known as the KRAS Gene Mutation Analysis or KRAS Codon 12/13 Mutation Test, this test is performed on a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained from a biopsy or surgical procedure. Doctors use the results to guide treatment decisions for certain cancers.
What Does a KRAS Mutation Screening (Codons 12 & 13) Test Measure?
This test analyses tumour tissue DNA to identify the presence or absence of specific mutations in the KRAS gene. The following variants are evaluated:
| Mutation Variant | Location |
|---|---|
| G12A | Codon 12 |
| G12C | Codon 12 |
| G12D | Codon 12 |
| G12R | Codon 12 |
| G12S | Codon 12 |
| G12V | Codon 12 |
| G13D | Codon 13 |
The KRAS gene produces a protein that acts like a signalling switch in cells. In normal tissue, this switch turns on and off as needed. When a mutation is present, the switch stays permanently "on", telling cells to grow without stopping. Identifying the specific mutation helps doctors decide which cancer therapies are likely to work.
Why Is a KRAS Mutation Screening (Codons 12 & 13) Test Done?
A doctor may order this test after a cancer diagnosis to determine the best treatment path. The results help identify whether certain targeted therapies will be effective.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not ordered based on symptoms alone. It is typically requested after a cancer diagnosis. However, the following symptoms may have led to the original diagnosis:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stools
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, cramps, or pain
- A constant feeling of needing to pass stools even after doing so
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Changes in bowel habits lasting several weeks
- Persistent cough or breathing difficulty (particularly in lung cancer)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The KRAS Mutation Screening test is used in the context of several cancers. The following conditions are associated with KRAS mutations:
- Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): KRAS mutations are among the most common genetic changes found in colon cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A significant proportion of lung adenocarcinomas carry KRAS mutations
- Pancreatic cancer: Over 80% of pancreatic cancers are associated with KRAS mutations
- Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer): Also frequently associated with KRAS gene changes
The test also helps determine whether tumours are likely to respond to anti-EGFR therapies such as cetuximab or panitumumab, or whether alternative treatments should be considered.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special physical preparation is required for this test, as the sample is tumour tissue already collected during a prior biopsy or surgery.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The test is performed on an FFPE tissue block, not a freshly collected blood or urine sample.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before submitting the sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Ensure the pathology report from the original biopsy or surgery accompanies the tissue block to the laboratory
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking
- Confirm with your doctor that the tissue block contains a sufficient proportion of tumour cells (at least 10% tumour cell content is generally needed for accurate results)
- Ask your treating doctor or oncologist if additional molecular tests are being ordered alongside this one
Step-by-Step Procedure
The KRAS Mutation Screening test procedure follows these steps:
- A tumour tissue sample is obtained from a previously performed biopsy or surgical procedure. No new sample collection is usually needed.
- The FFPE tissue block is packaged and transported to the Lupin Diagnostics molecular pathology laboratory at ambient temperature (18 to 28°C).
- Laboratory technicians extract DNA from the tissue block and assess its quality and quantity.
- The DNA is analysed using real-time PCR (TaqMan probe method) to detect specific mutations at codons 12 and 13 of the KRAS gene.
- A qualified pathologist reviews the results and prepares the final report.
- The completed report is delivered within 7 days of the sample being received by the laboratory.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Insufficient tumour cell content in the tissue sample
- Poor sample preservation or fixation method used during original biopsy processing
- Low DNA quantity or poor DNA quality due to older archived tissue blocks
- Tumour heterogeneity, where different parts of the tumour may carry different mutations
- Certain KRAS mutations located outside codons 12 and 13 will not be detected by this specific test
Understanding Your KRAS Mutation Screening (Codons 12 & 13) Test Results
Results from this test are reported as qualitative findings. Your oncologist will use these results alongside your overall clinical picture to plan treatment.
| Parameter | Result Type | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| KRAS Mutation Status | Wild-type (No mutation detected) | Cancer may respond to anti-EGFR therapy |
| KRAS Mutation Status | Mutation detected | Cancer is unlikely to respond to anti-EGFR therapy; treatment plan to be revised by the oncologist |
Disclaimer: 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
Some situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- A negative result does not guarantee a response to anti-EGFR therapy, as other resistance mechanisms may be present in the tumour.
- Tumour heterogeneity means some cancer cells may carry mutations while others do not, which can occasionally lead to a result that does not reflect the full picture.
- Samples from older archived tissue blocks may yield lower-quality DNA, which can affect the detection of certain mutation variants.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This is an oncology test that detects acquired gene changes in cancer cells. General "healthy level" guidance does not apply in the conventional sense. However, the following steps are worth considering:
- Work closely with your oncologist to understand the full range of treatment options available based on your results.
- Ask your doctor about extended molecular profiling if initial testing is inconclusive or if treatment response is not as expected.
- Keep all follow-up appointments to monitor treatment progress and overall health.
Lupin Diagnostics KRAS Mutation Screening (Codons 12 & 13) Test Price
The KRAS Mutation Screening test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹8,400. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of the FFPE tissue block through the laboratory; home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 8400 |
| CHENNAI | 8400 |
| HYDERABAD | 8400 |
| KOLKATA | 8400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 8400 |
| PUNE | 8400 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book the KRAS Mutation Screening test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The KRAS Mutation Screening test looks for specific genetic changes (mutations) in the KRAS gene within tumour tissue. It focuses on codons 12 and 13, where the majority of KRAS mutations occur. The results help doctors decide which cancer treatments are most likely to be effective for a particular patient.
Certain targeted cancer therapies, particularly anti-EGFR drugs, only work in tumours that do not carry a KRAS mutation. If a KRAS mutation is present, these therapies are unlikely to help. Testing allows oncologists to select the most appropriate treatment from the outset and avoid ineffective options.
The sample is an FFPE tissue block obtained during a prior biopsy or surgery. In most cases, no new procedure is required. The existing tissue block is simply submitted to the laboratory along with the relevant pathology report and clinical history.
No fasting or special preparation is needed. Since the test uses tumour tissue already collected during a previous procedure, there is nothing specific you need to do beforehand aside from providing the necessary documentation.
At Lupin Diagnostics, results are delivered within 7 days of the laboratory receiving the sample. This timeline accounts for DNA extraction, real-time PCR analysis, and pathologist review.
A positive result means a mutation was found in the KRAS gene at codon 12 or 13. This generally indicates that anti-EGFR therapies are unlikely to be effective. However, certain mutations such as G12C may be targeted by specific inhibitors. Your oncologist will discuss the most suitable treatment options based on the exact mutation identified.
In some situations, KRAS mutation testing can be performed on a liquid biopsy (blood plasma) rather than tissue. However, tissue biopsy using an FFPE block remains the preferred and most reliable sample type. At Lupin Diagnostics, the required sample for this specific test is an FFPE tissue block.
KRAS Mutation Screening (Codons 12 & 13) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
