Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS Test
About Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | cfDNA KRAS Test, Liquid Biopsy KRAS Mutation Test, Cell-Free DNA KRAS Mutation Analysis, ctDNA KRAS Test |
| Sample Type | Peripheral Blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 15 Days |
| Recommended For | Adult males and females with known or suspected colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, or pancreatic cancer |
| Price | Starting at ₹16,800 |
What Is a Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS Test?
The Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS test is a specialised blood test that detects mutations in the KRAS gene using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the bloodstream. Tumour cells shed small fragments of DNA into the blood, and this test analyses those fragments to identify cancer-related genetic changes. It is also known as the cfDNA KRAS Test or Liquid Biopsy KRAS Mutation Test. Doctors typically prescribe this test to patients with colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, or pancreatic cancer to guide treatment decisions.
What Does a Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS Test Measure?
This test analyses peripheral blood for specific genetic changes in the KRAS gene. The following components are evaluated.
| Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| KRAS mutations at codons 12 and 13 | The most common sites of KRAS mutation in colorectal and lung cancers (e.g., G12A, G12C, G12D, G12R, G12S, G12V, G13D) |
| KRAS mutations at codon 61 | Less frequent mutations (e.g., Q61K, Q61L, Q61R, Q61H) that can affect cancer behaviour |
| KRAS mutations at codon 146 | A rarer mutation (A146T) associated with cancer progression |
| Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) | DNA fragments released by tumour cells into the bloodstream, which carry detectable genetic changes |
Why Is a Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to understand a patient's KRAS mutation status to make informed treatment decisions. The Liquid Biopsy KRAS Mutation Test often avoids the need for an invasive surgical tissue biopsy.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to order this test:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
- Chronic cough
- Fatigue without a clear cause
- Shortness of breath
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is relevant to several cancer types. The following conditions are commonly associated with KRAS mutations:
- Colorectal cancer (KRAS mutations occur in approximately 50% of cases)
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where KRAS is mutated in around 25% of cases
- Pancreatic cancer, where KRAS mutations are found in up to 90% of cases
- Other solid tumours with activating KRAS alterations
Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The ctDNA KRAS Test can be used to track how a cancer is responding to treatment over time. Because tumour cells continuously shed DNA into the blood, repeated testing may reveal whether a mutation is emerging or whether cancer is responding to therapy. This makes liquid biopsy a useful tool for monitoring patients undergoing cancer treatment.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before the Liquid Bx. Cell Free KRAS test. The following guidance will help you prepare and know what to expect.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure a smooth sample collection:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including any cancer therapies
- Stay well hydrated before the blood draw
- Avoid strenuous physical activity immediately before the test
- No special dietary restrictions apply
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during the Liquid Bx. Cell-free KRAS test procedure:
- A trained healthcare professional will confirm your identity and review your clinical history before collection begins.
- A blood sample of 10 ml is drawn from a vein in your arm using specialised tubes designed to preserve cell-free DNA in peripheral blood.
- The tubes are gently inverted several times after collection to mix the preservative with the sample.
- The sample is stored at 2 to 8°C and transported to the laboratory under refrigerated conditions.
- In the laboratory, the cell-free DNA is extracted from the plasma and analysed using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a highly sensitive technique that reads genetic material in detail.
- An interpretive report is prepared and delivered within 15 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of results:
- Low tumour burden (small amount of cancer in the body) may reduce the amount of cfDNA detectable in the blood
- Improper sample handling or delays in refrigeration can affect DNA quality
- Recent chemotherapy may alter cfDNA levels in the bloodstream
- A condition called 'clonal haematopoiesis' may introduce confounding genetic signals unrelated to the tumour
Understanding Your Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS Test Results
Results from the Cell-Free DNA KRAS Mutation Analysis are qualitative, meaning the outcome is either "Detected" or "Not Detected". Your doctor will interpret these results alongside your full medical history.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Not Detected (Wild-type) | No KRAS mutation identified; patient may be eligible for EGFR-targeted therapies |
| Detected (specify mutation type) | A KRAS mutation is present; may indicate resistance to anti-EGFR therapies and guide selection of alternative treatments |
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
The following conditions may affect how results are interpreted:
- This test has not been clinically validated for early tumour detection or routine therapy monitoring; results should be used alongside other clinical findings.
- This test cannot distinguish between a mutation acquired during life (somatic) and one that is inherited (germline); your doctor will clarify this distinction.
- Low tumour burden may produce a negative result even when cancer is present; a tissue biopsy may still be recommended in such cases.
- Recent chemotherapy can alter cfDNA levels, which may affect the test outcome.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness tips are relevant during cancer care:
- Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains throughout treatment.
- Stay in regular contact with your oncologist and attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled.
- Report any new or changing symptoms to your healthcare team promptly.
Lupin Diagnostics Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS Test Price and Home Collection
The Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹16,800, and home collection is available across select cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 16800 |
| CHENNAI | 16800 |
| HYDERABAD | 16800 |
| KOLKATA | 16800 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 16800 |
| PUNE | 16800 |
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 schedule your Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS test online booking:
- 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 Bx. Cell-Free KRAS test home collection service is available across multiple cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A trained phlebotomist will collect the peripheral blood sample at your home and provide the sample to the laboratory for testing. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is shared securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Liquid Biopsy KRAS Mutation Test is a blood test that detects genetic mutations in the KRAS gene using cell-free DNA shed by tumour cells into the bloodstream. It provides information about cancer-related genetic changes without requiring a surgical tissue biopsy. This makes it a less invasive option for certain patients.
Knowing whether a KRAS mutation is present helps doctors decide which treatments are likely to work. Patients whose tumours carry certain KRAS mutations may not respond to EGFR-targeted therapies used in colorectal and lung cancer. This test helps doctors avoid ineffective treatments and explore better alternatives.
The cfDNA KRAS Test can serve as an alternative to tissue biopsy in many cases. However, if the liquid biopsy result is negative, a tissue sample may still be recommended, as a negative result does not completely rule out the presence of a mutation.
Blood is collected from a vein in your arm in a specialised tube designed to preserve cell-free DNA from peripheral blood. The sample is refrigerated and transported to the laboratory for processing. The procedure is the same as a standard blood draw and takes only a few minutes.
A detected result means that a KRAS mutation is present in the cell-free DNA found in your blood. The specific type of mutation identified will be noted in your report. Your oncologist will use this information alongside other test results to plan the most appropriate course of care.
The report for the Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS test is delivered within 15 days of sample collection. Results are shared digitally via email or WhatsApp. Given the complexity of next-generation sequencing analysis, this turnaround time is standard for this type of test.
The Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS test procedure is scheduled from Monday to Friday, excluding Saturdays. If you are booking a home collection, please select a weekday slot to ensure your sample is processed without delay.
Liquid Bx. Cell-Free KRAS Test
