Liquid Bn Cell-Free (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) Test
About Liquid Bn Cell-Free (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cell-Free DNA Multi-Gene Panel, cfDNA Liquid Biopsy Panel, Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) EGFR/KRAS/NRAS/BRAF Test |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (collected in specialised cfDNA-preserving Streck tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 15 days |
| Recommended For | Adults with known or suspected solid tumours, including non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, and melanoma; both genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹40,000 |
What Is a Liquid Bn Cell-Free (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) Test?
The Liquid Bn Cell-Free test analyses circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream. It targets four key genes: EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF, which play a significant role in cancer growth and response to targeted treatment. A peripheral blood sample is collected, making it far less invasive than a conventional tissue biopsy. The test is also known as the Cell-Free DNA Multi-Gene Panel or cfDNA Liquid Biopsy Panel.
What Does a Liquid Bn Cell-Free (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) Test Measure?
This test sequences specific regions of four oncogenes (genes that can promote cancer when mutated) to identify changes that influence treatment decisions.
The four genes tested are listed below:
| Gene | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) | Controls cell growth and division | Mutations drive uncontrolled growth, especially in lung cancer; predicts response to EGFR inhibitors |
| KRAS (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene) | Activates cell proliferation pathways | Mutations occur in over one-third of colorectal cancers; associated with resistance to certain therapies |
| NRAS (Neuroblastoma RAS Viral Oncogene) | Related to KRAS; part of the same signalling pathway | Mutations affect treatment response in colorectal cancer, though less common than KRAS |
| BRAF (B-Raf Proto-Oncogene) | Part of the signalling pathway downstream of EGFR | BRAF V600E mutation is linked to poor prognosis in colorectal cancer and melanoma |
Why Is a Liquid Bn Cell-Free (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) Test Done?
Doctors order this test to understand the genetic profile of a tumour and to guide treatment planning. It provides information that a routine blood test cannot.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test when a patient presents with the following symptoms, particularly in the context of a known or suspected solid tumour:
- Unexplained or significant weight loss
- Persistent cough or blood in the sputum (phlegm)
- Breathlessness without a clear cause
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Noticeable changes in bowel habits
- Fatigue that does not improve with rest
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify genetic mutations relevant to the following cancers and conditions:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
- Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)
- Melanoma
- Other advanced solid tumours where targeted therapy is being considered
- Acquired resistance mutations that emerge during cancer treatment (for example, the EGFR T790M resistance mutation)
Liquid Bn Cell Free (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test has proven to be a useful molecular tool for monitoring cancer treatment and detecting relapse. Studies show it can identify early recurrence or disease progression up to 30 to 45 days before a PET-CT scan would show changes. It may be repeated at intervals during treatment to assess therapy response, detect resistance mutations, or track disease recurrence.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, but a few practical steps will help ensure the sample is suitable for analysis.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help your sample collection go smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor or the collection technician about all current medications, including blood thinners (anticoagulants)
- Stay well hydrated before the blood draw to help ensure an adequate sample volume
- Note the timing of any recent surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, as this can affect the concentration of circulating tumour DNA in your blood
- Follow any specific instructions provided by the laboratory regarding sample handling
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process for the Liquid Bn Cell-Free test procedure involves the following steps:
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection technician) selects a suitable vein, usually in the arm.
- The skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A 10 ml peripheral blood sample is drawn into a specialised Streck tube, which preserves cell-free DNA during transit.
- The tube is gently mixed immediately after collection to ensure proper preservation.
- The sample is stored at a refrigerated temperature (2 to 8°C) and dispatched to the laboratory.
- In the laboratory, plasma is separated from the blood, DNA is extracted, and the sample is analysed using next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of this test. Being aware of them helps set realistic expectations:
- Timing of sample collection relative to recent treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery)
- Tumour burden (size and spread of the cancer) and disease stage
- Incorrect sample handling, storage, or transport conditions
- Some tumour types naturally shed very little DNA into the bloodstream
- Low tumour burden in early-stage disease may result in ctDNA levels below the detection limit
Understanding Your Liquid Bn Cell Free (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) Test Results
Results from this test are qualitative, meaning each gene is reported as either "Mutation Detected" or "No Mutation Detected". When a mutation is found, the specific variant (for example, EGFR L858R or BRAF V600E) and its variant allele frequency (VAF, the percentage of DNA carrying the mutation) are typically reported. Your oncologist will interpret these findings in the context of your clinical picture.
| Parameter | Normal (Wild-Type) Result | Significance if Mutation Detected |
|---|---|---|
| EGFR mutations | Not detected | May indicate eligibility for EGFR-targeted therapies in NSCLC |
| KRAS mutations | Not detected | Associated with resistance to anti-EGFR therapies in colorectal cancer |
| NRAS mutations | Not detected | Affects treatment selection in colorectal cancer |
| BRAF mutations | Not detected | BRAF V600E linked to poorer prognosis; may indicate eligibility for BRAF inhibitors |
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
Certain clinical situations can affect how results are read:
- Recent surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can temporarily alter the amount of circulating tumour DNA in the blood, which may influence detection sensitivity.
- Variant allele fractions are generally much lower in liquid biopsy samples than in tissue biopsies, and tumours with higher stage, greater volume, and increased vascularity tend to shed more ctDNA.
- Some cancer types are known to release very little DNA into circulation, which can result in a negative finding even when disease is present.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
As this is an oncology monitoring test, the following general guidance applies:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your oncologist as advised
- Discuss your results and their implications openly with your treating healthcare team
- Follow recommended cancer screening and monitoring guidelines appropriate to your diagnosis
Lupin Diagnostics Liquid Bn Cell-Free (EGFR , KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) Test Price and Home Collection
The Liquid Bn Cell Free test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹40,000, and home sample collection is available across cities. The indicative city-wise prices are shown below:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 36000 |
| CHENNAI | 36000 |
| HYDERABAD | 36000 |
| KOLKATA | 36000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 40000 |
| PUNE | 36000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
You can complete your Liquid Bn Cell-Free test online booking in a few 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
The Liquid Bn Cell-Free test home collection service is available across multiple cities. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at your preferred time to collect the peripheral blood sample in the required Streck tube. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is made accessible once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancer tumours shed fragments of their DNA into the bloodstream. The Liquid Bn Cell-Free test separates this tumour-related DNA from normal DNA in the blood sample using specialised laboratory equipment. This allows doctors to identify cancer-related mutations without the need for an invasive tissue biopsy.
These four genes are part of the same cell signalling pathway. International oncology guidelines recommend testing all of them together because their combined mutation status helps determine which targeted cancer treatments are most likely to work for a given patient.
The procedure requires only a blood draw from a vein in your arm, typically 10 ml collected in a specialised Streck tube. The sample is then sent to the laboratory, where plasma is separated, DNA is extracted, and the genes are analysed using next-generation sequencing (NGS).
No. A negative result means the specific mutations tested were not detected in the blood sample at the time of collection. A standard tissue biopsy is required to confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis, particularly if clinical suspicion remains high.
The Liquid Bn Cell-Free test report is typically available within 15 days. NGS-based analysis requires extensive data processing, which accounts for the longer turnaround time compared to routine blood tests.
This test requires only a blood draw, making it significantly less invasive than a surgical tissue biopsy. It can also be repeated at intervals to monitor treatment response or detect resistance mutations, which is more practical than repeated tissue sampling.
Yes. Resistance mutations that develop during treatment, such as the EGFR T790M mutation, which can appear when patients stop responding to first-generation EGFR inhibitors, can be identified through this test, helping doctors adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Liquid Bn Cell-Free (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) Test
