LiquidSEQ Actionable Gene Panel [22] Test
About LiquidSEQ Actionable Gene Panel [22] Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Liquid Biopsy 22 Gene Panel, ctDNA Actionable Gene Panel, Circulating Tumour DNA NGS Panel (22 genes) |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (plasma) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 25 days |
| Recommended For | Adults with solid tumours (all genders); primarily advanced or metastatic cancer |
| Price | Starting at ₹34,000 |
What is a LiquidSEQ Actionable Gene Panel [22] Test?
The LiquidSEQ actionable gene panel [22] test is a blood-based genomic test that detects cancer-related gene mutations circulating in the bloodstream. It analyses cell-free tumour DNA — tiny DNA fragments shed by cancer cells into the blood — using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Also called a liquid biopsy 22 gene panel or ctDNA actionable gene panel, this test is typically ordered by oncologists for patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumours. A peripheral blood sample is collected from a vein, making the procedure far less invasive than a surgical tissue biopsy.
What Does a LiquidSEQ Actionable Gene Panel [22] Test Measure?
This test screens circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) for four types of genetic changes across 22 clinically relevant genes. These changes can indicate which targeted therapies may work for a patient, or whether a cancer has developed resistance to treatment.
The test analyses the following types of genetic alterations:
| Alteration Type | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) | Single-letter changes in DNA that may drive cancer or predict drug response |
| Insertions/Deletions (Indels) | Small additions or removals of DNA bases within cancer genes |
| Copy Number Variations (CNVs) | Extra copies or losses of gene segments, such as ERBB2/HER2 amplification |
| Gene Fusions/Rearrangements | Abnormal joining of two genes that can drive cancer growth |
Genes commonly covered in the panel include AKT1, ALK, BRAF, BRCA1, BRCA2, EGFR, ERBB2/HER2, KRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA, MET, RET, ROS1, and other genes relevant to targeted therapy selection.
Why is a LiquidSEQ Actionable Gene Panel [22] Test Done?
This test is ordered when an oncologist needs to understand the genetic profile of a cancer, identify targeted treatment options, or track how a cancer is responding to therapy.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following clinical situations commonly lead a doctor to request this test:
- Unexplained or significant weight loss in a cancer patient
- Persistent fatigue not explained by other causes
- Suspected cancer recurrence after treatment
- Disease progression while on current therapy
- Suspected development of treatment resistance
- Need to identify targeted therapy options when tissue is unavailable
- Monitoring response after starting a new cancer treatment
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used in the management of several solid tumour types. The conditions it helps assess include:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Other advanced solid tumours where actionable gene mutations are relevant
LiquidSEQ Actionable Gene Panel [22] for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in the ongoing monitoring of cancer patients. Circulating tumour DNA levels reflect how well a treatment is working, and changes in ctDNA can indicate disease progression or recurrence before symptoms appear. Serial testing may be used to track the emergence of new mutations, including resistance mutations, over the course of treatment.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. The LiquidSEQ actionable gene panel [22] test procedure involves a straightforward blood draw with no fasting, sedation, or recovery time required.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your blood collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Preparing well ensures the sample is collected and processed correctly. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and treatment history, as this is required for the test
- Inform the phlebotomist and your oncologist about all current medications and ongoing treatments
- Stay well hydrated before your blood draw, as this makes vein access easier
- Wear a loose-fitting top or clothing with easy sleeve access for the blood draw
- Avoid strenuous physical activity immediately before sample collection
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection for this test follows these steps:
- You arrive at the Lupin Diagnostics centre and confirm your clinical history and request form with the staff.
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin over a vein in your arm and inserts a small needle.
- Approximately 10 ml of blood is collected into a specialised Streck tube, which preserves circulating tumour DNA during transit.
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the site. The entire draw takes under ten minutes.
- The sample is refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and dispatched to the laboratory.
- In the laboratory, plasma is separated from the blood cells, cell-free DNA is extracted, and the ctDNA is profiled using next-generation sequencing across 22 genes.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results. These include:
- Low tumour burden, particularly in early-stage cancers, where very little ctDNA may be present in the blood
- Tumour type: some cancers, such as central nervous system tumours, shed less ctDNA due to the blood-brain barrier
- Clonal haematopoiesis (age-related blood cell mutations) that may cause false-positive findings
- Delays or improper handling of the blood sample before processing
- Incorrect blood collection tube type
Understanding Your LiquidSEQ Actionable Gene Panel [22] Test Results
Results are reviewed by a qualified molecular pathologist and oncologist. Each of the 22 genes is reported as either a mutation detected or not detected, along with clinical significance annotations where relevant.
| Result Type | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| No pathogenic variants detected | No detectable tumour DNA found in the 22 genes; does not exclude cancer |
| Actionable mutation detected (on-label) | Eligibility for an approved targeted therapy |
| Mutation detected (off-label or resistance) | Potential experimental treatment options or evidence of treatment resistance |
| Low variant allele frequency (VAF) | Low tumour burden or early-stage disease |
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 interpreted:
- Patients with central nervous system tumours may show very low ctDNA levels due to the blood-brain barrier, which can result in a negative finding even when cancer is present.
- Older patients and those with a history of chemotherapy may carry clonal haematopoiesis variants, which can appear as false-positive mutations in genes such as TP53 and ATM.
- Patients with small or localised tumours may have ctDNA levels below the test's detection threshold, leading to a negative result that does not rule out cancer.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
For patients undergoing serial testing, these general practices support meaningful monitoring:
- Follow all oncologist recommendations regarding treatment schedules and follow-up timelines
- Attend regular monitoring appointments to allow timely repeat testing if needed
- Report any new or changing symptoms promptly to your healthcare team
Lupin Diagnostics LiquidSEQ Actionable Gene Panel [22] Test Price
The LiquidSEQ actionable gene panel [22] test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹34,000. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 34000 |
| Pune | 34000 |
| Bangalore | 34000 |
| Chennai | 34000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your LiquidSEQ actionable gene panel [22] test online is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
A liquid biopsy analyses tumour DNA fragments circulating in the blood, rather than requiring a surgical procedure to remove tissue from the body. It is less invasive, can be repeated more easily, and can capture genetic information from multiple tumour sites at once. The LiquidSEQ actionable gene panel [22] test uses this approach to identify actionable cancer mutations from a simple blood draw.
This test is primarily recommended for patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumours who need genomic profiling to guide treatment decisions. It is also useful when tumour tissue is scarce or unavailable for standard biopsy, or when monitoring for disease progression and treatment resistance.
This test is best suited for advanced disease monitoring rather than early cancer screening. In early-stage cancers, the amount of tumour DNA in the blood is typically very low, which can make detection unreliable. Current methods work most predictably for tumours above a certain size threshold.
The report for the LiquidSEQ actionable gene panel [22] test is delivered within 25 days. This timeline reflects the complexity of next-generation sequencing and the detailed analysis required to annotate each variant's clinical significance.
A negative result means no pathogenic mutations were detected in the 22 genes analysed. This does not rule out cancer. Your oncologist may recommend a tissue biopsy or repeat liquid biopsy testing, particularly if clinical suspicion remains high or tumour burden is thought to be low.
Coverage varies between insurers. Advanced genomic tests may require special pre-authorisation. Check with your insurance provider before booking the LiquidSEQ actionable gene panel [22] test to confirm whether the cost is reimbursable under your policy.
No special preparation is needed, but you must bring a detailed clinical history, including your diagnosis, previous treatment records, imaging reports, and any prior test results. This clinical information is required for accurate result interpretation and is an essential part of the test process.
LiquidSEQ Actionable Gene Panel [22] Test
