Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF Test
About Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Liquid Biopsy BRAF Test, cfDNA BRAF Test, BRAF V600 Mutation Test (Blood), Cell-Free DNA BRAF Mutation Analysis |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (plasma) collected in specialised cell-free DNA tubes |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 10 days |
| Recommended For | Adults with diagnosed or suspected advanced melanoma, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, thyroid cancer, or other solid tumours; all genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹14,400 |
What Is a Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF Test?
The Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF test detects mutations in the BRAF gene using a simple blood sample, without the need for a surgical tissue biopsy. It works by isolating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which is genetic material released into the bloodstream by tumour cells, and analysing it for specific BRAF gene changes. This test is also known as the Liquid Biopsy BRAF Test or cfDNA BRAF Test. It is typically ordered by oncologists for patients with advanced cancers to guide treatment decisions.
What Does a Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF Test Measure?
This test analyses circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the blood to detect specific changes in the BRAF gene.
The following parameters are assessed:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| BRAF V600E mutation | The most common BRAF change, seen in melanoma, thyroid, and colorectal cancers |
| BRAF V600K mutation | A less common BRAF variant, also associated with melanoma |
| BRAF V600 mutation (any) | Overall presence or absence of a BRAF mutation in circulating tumour DNA |
This is a qualitative test, meaning results are reported as "Detected" or "Not Detected". An oncologist should interpret the findings in the context of clinical and imaging results.
Why Is a Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to determine BRAF mutation status to plan cancer treatment or monitor disease progression.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following situations or symptoms commonly lead a doctor to request this test:
- Newly diagnosed or suspected advanced melanoma
- Metastatic colorectal cancer being evaluated for targeted therapy
- Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Diagnosed or suspected papillary thyroid cancer
- Unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue in a known cancer patient
- Monitoring of treatment response in patients already on BRAF or MEK inhibitor therapy
- When a tissue biopsy is not feasible or accessible
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify BRAF mutations associated with several cancer types. These include:
- Cutaneous melanoma (40 to 60% carry the BRAF V600E mutation)
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma (approximately 45%)
- Colorectal adenocarcinoma (5 to 15%)
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Hairy cell leukaemia
- Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
- Erdheim-Chester disease, a rare histiocyte disorder
Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in monitoring patients undergoing BRAF-targeted cancer therapy. Serial testing can track whether treatment is working, as decreasing levels of BRAF V600 cfDNA are associated with better treatment outcomes. A higher proportion of mutant BRAF in the blood has been linked to shorter overall survival, making this a useful tool for ongoing disease management.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but a few simple steps will help ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF test. There are no dietary restrictions. However, if additional tests are ordered at the same time, your doctor may advise specific preparation for those.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure the best possible sample quality:
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 30 minutes before the blood draw, as intense exercise can raise cfDNA levels in the blood
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, including any ongoing cancer treatments
- Stay well hydrated to make the blood draw easier
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during sample collection for the Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin over a vein, usually in your arm.
- A needle is inserted to draw 10 ml of peripheral blood into a specialised Streck tube, which is designed to preserve cell-free DNA.
- Only samples collected in these specific tubes are accepted for analysis; standard blood tubes are not suitable.
- The collected sample is refrigerated and transported to the laboratory under controlled conditions (2 to 8°C).
- In the lab, the blood is processed to separate plasma, from which cfDNA is extracted and analysed using Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR).
- Results are reviewed and reported within 10 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of the test result:
- Low tumour volume or early-stage disease, where ctDNA levels in the blood may be too low to detect
- Improper sample handling or use of incorrect collection tubes
- Certain age-related changes in blood cell DNA (clonal haematopoiesis) that can interfere with interpretation
- Tumour type, as some cancers shed less ctDNA into the bloodstream than others
- Concurrent medications or recent cancer treatments that may alter ctDNA levels
Understanding Your Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF Test Results
Results from this test must always be reviewed with a qualified oncologist who can interpret them alongside your clinical history, imaging findings, and other investigations.
| Parameter | Normal Result | Abnormal Result |
|---|---|---|
| BRAF V600E mutation | Not Detected | Detected |
| BRAF V600K mutation | Not Detected | Detected |
| BRAF V600 mutation (any) | Not Detected / Negative | Detected / Positive |
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.
A "Not Detected" result means no BRAF mutation was found in the circulating tumour DNA. This may mean the patient is not a candidate for BRAF-targeted therapy, though other treatment options remain available.
A "Detected" result indicates a BRAF mutation is present. This may make the patient eligible for specific targeted therapies and also carries prognostic implications that your oncologist will discuss with you.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are interpreted. Your oncologist should be aware of these:
- In early-stage or low-burden disease, ctDNA levels may fall below the test's detection limit, which can produce a negative result even when a mutation is present in the tumour.
- Age-related changes in blood cell DNA, known as clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), can sometimes interfere with cfDNA result interpretation, particularly when mutation levels are very low.
- Some tumour types, such as brain tumours, tend to shed less ctDNA into the blood, which can reduce test sensitivity for those cancers.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test monitors cancer-related mutations rather than general health markers, the following steps support your overall care:
- Keep regular follow-up appointments with your oncologist to review serial test results over time
- Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly, as these may prompt repeat testing
- If you are on BRAF-targeted therapy, discuss with your doctor how frequently monitoring tests should be repeated
Lupin Diagnostics Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF Test Price and Home Collection
The Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹14,400, and home collection is available across multiple cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 14400 |
| CHENNAI | 14400 |
| HYDERABAD | 14400 |
| KOLKATA | 14400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 14400 |
| PUNE | 14400 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF test online is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Select the 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
Lupin Diagnostics offers Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF test home collection across cities in India, with samples collected by trained phlebotomists using the correct specialised Streck tubes. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure consistent quality. Digital reports are delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test detects BRAF gene mutations from tumour DNA circulating in the blood. It is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical tissue biopsy, using a standard blood draw to analyse cell-free DNA shed by cancer cells. It helps oncologists decide whether BRAF-targeted treatments are suitable for a patient.
BRAF mutations are present in 40 to 50% of advanced melanoma cases and in several other cancers. Knowing a patient's BRAF status helps doctors select the most appropriate targeted therapy. Without this information, effective treatment options may be missed.
Studies show an overall agreement of around 82 to 88% between liquid biopsy and tissue biopsy results for BRAF mutation detection. The blood-based test has high specificity (around 98%) but slightly lower sensitivity, particularly in patients with low tumour volume. A negative blood test result does not always rule out a mutation present in the tumour tissue.
No fasting or dietary changes are needed. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 30 minutes before the blood draw. It is also important to bring a detailed clinical history, as this is required for accurate result interpretation.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 10 days. The test is processed using Droplet Digital PCR, a highly sensitive method for detecting low levels of tumour DNA in the blood.
This test primarily detects the BRAF V600E and BRAF V600K mutations, which together account for the large majority of BRAF V600 changes seen in cancer. The V600E mutation alone makes up approximately 80 to 90% of all V600 mutations. Rare variants may require additional or alternative testing methods.
A negative result means no BRAF mutation was detected in the circulating tumour DNA at the time of testing. This does not rule out cancer entirely, as low tumour DNA levels can sometimes fall below the test's detection limits. Your doctor may recommend a tissue biopsy or further investigations if clinical suspicion remains.
Liquid Bx. Cell-Free BRAF Test
