NRAS Mutation Analysis Test
About NRAS Mutation Analysis Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | NRAS Gene Sequencing Test, NRAS Gene Mutation Analysis Test, NRAS Exons 2-4 Test, Neuroblastoma RAS Mutation Test |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 Days |
| Recommended For | Adults diagnosed with melanoma, colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, or acute myeloid leukemia; all genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹7,700 |
What is an NRAS Mutation Analysis?
The NRAS Mutation Analysis test is a molecular diagnostic test that examines tumour tissue for changes (mutations) in the NRAS gene. The NRAS gene belongs to a family of genes called oncogenes, which, when altered, can cause normal cells to grow uncontrollably.
Doctors order this test after a cancer diagnosis to understand the genetic profile of a tumour and guide treatment decisions. It is also known as the NRAS Gene Sequencing test or the Neuroblastoma RAS Mutation test.
What Does an NRAS Mutation Analysis Measure?
This test analyses DNA extracted from tumour tissue to detect specific mutations in the NRAS gene. The table below summarises what the test looks for:
| Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| NRAS gene mutations | Changes in the NRAS gene that can drive uncontrolled cancer cell growth |
| Codons 12, 13, 61, 117, and 146 | Specific locations in the gene where mutations commonly occur |
| Mutation type (e.g., G12D, Q61K) | The exact change present, which helps predict treatment response |
| Wild-type status | Confirms whether the gene is normal (no mutation detected) |
The NRAS Mutation Analysis test procedure uses Real Time PCR (Taqman probe) technology to identify these changes in the FFPE tissue block with high accuracy.
Why is an NRAS Mutation Analysis Done?
Doctors request this test to understand a tumour's genetic make-up and determine the most suitable treatment approach.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test after a cancer diagnosis is already confirmed. Symptoms that often lead to investigation and eventual testing include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Skin lesions or moles that are changing in size, shape, or colour
- Rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habits
- Abdominal discomfort lasting several weeks
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding (particularly in blood cancers)
- Swollen lymph nodes that do not resolve
Conditions This Test Can Help Characterise
The NRAS Mutation Analysis helps characterise tumours associated with the following conditions:
- Melanoma (skin cancer), where NRAS mutations occur in approximately 20% of cases
- Colorectal cancer, where mutations are found in roughly 5% of cases
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a blood cancer, where mutations appear in about 13% of cases
- Follicular thyroid cancer, particularly involving codon 61 mutations
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but reviewing a few practical points beforehand will help the process run smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the NRAS Mutation Analysis test. There are no dietary restrictions before this test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry any prior pathology reports or biopsy records to help the laboratory assess your specimen
- Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking
- Note that the most recent tumour sample is generally preferred over older specimens, provided enough tumour tissue is present
- Ensure the tissue block contains adequate tumour content
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample for this test is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block, typically obtained from a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by your treating team. Here is what the process involves:
- Your doctor or surgeon collects tumour tissue during a biopsy or surgery and the laboratory processes it into a fixed, wax-embedded tissue block
- The FFPE tissue block is submitted to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory in a sealed box at ambient temperature (18 to 28 degrees Celsius)
- Laboratory technicians extract DNA from the tumour tissue in the block
- The extracted DNA is analysed using Real Time PCR (Taqman probe) technology to detect mutations at specific locations in the NRAS gene
- Results are reviewed by a pathologist and reported as either wild-type (no mutation) or mutant (mutation detected, with the specific mutation named)
- Your report is delivered within 7 days
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of your result:
- Low tumour cell content in the tissue block (a minimum of 20% tumour cells is generally recommended)
- Age of the FFPE block — older blocks (more than 5 years old) may show specimen degradation
- Quality of DNA extracted from the tissue
- Use of an inappropriate fixative during tissue processing (zinc-based fixatives should be avoided; formalin-based fixation is standard)
Understanding Your NRAS Mutation Analysis Results
Your results should always be reviewed by your oncologist alongside your clinical history, tumour type, and stage. The table below outlines how results are typically reported.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| NRAS Wild-Type (No Mutation Detected) | The NRAS gene shows no detectable mutation |
| NRAS Mutant (Mutation Detected) | A specific mutation is present; the exact type will be named in the report |
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.
Next Steps After Your Test
This test is not a preventive screening tool. It is used after a cancer diagnosis to inform treatment. General guidance includes:
- Keep up with cancer screening schedules recommended by your doctor
- Discuss all results and their implications with your oncologist
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your overall treatment plan
Lupin Diagnostics NRAS Mutation Analysis Price
The NRAS Mutation Analysis test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹7,700. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre and an FFPE tumour tissue block obtained during a prior biopsy or surgery, which is submitted to the laboratory for analysis.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 7700 |
| CHENNAI | 7700 |
| HYDERABAD | 7700 |
| KOLKATA | 7700 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 7700 |
| PUNE | 7700 |
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 your NRAS Mutation Analysis test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website
- Choose your city and preferred centre location
- Arrange for submission of the required FFPE tumour tissue sample as advised by your doctor or the Lupin Diagnostics team
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time
Frequently Asked Questions
The NRAS Mutation Analysis test identifies specific mutations in the NRAS gene within tumour cells. Doctors use the result to understand a cancer's behaviour, predict how aggressive it may be, and decide which treatments are most likely to work for that patient.
In most cancers, including colorectal cancer and melanoma, NRAS mutations are somatic. This means they develop in tumour cells during a person's lifetime and are not passed on to children. Germline (inherited) NRAS mutations are rare and mainly linked to Noonan syndrome.
At Lupin Diagnostics, reports are delivered within 7 days of the sample being received. The test involves DNA extraction and Real Time PCR analysis, which requires careful laboratory processing.
No, this test cannot be done at home. It requires a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block obtained during a biopsy or surgery. The block must be submitted to a specialised laboratory for molecular analysis.
A mutant result means a specific NRAS gene mutation has been found in the tumour. Your oncologist will explain what this means for your particular cancer type, as the significance varies. For example, in colorectal cancer, an NRAS mutation indicates that certain targeted therapies are unlikely to be effective.
Wild-type means no NRAS mutation was detected, and the gene appears normal. In colorectal cancer, a wild-type result may mean the patient is eligible for EGFR inhibitor therapy, a class of targeted cancer treatment. Your doctor will discuss the treatment options that apply to your situation.
Modern PCR-based methods for NRAS testing, including the Taqman probe method used at Lupin Diagnostics, have analytical sensitivity exceeding 99%. However, results depend on tissue quality and tumour content in the sample. Your doctor will interpret the result alongside all other clinical findings.
NRAS Mutation Analysis Test
