BRCA Comprehensive Panel (Germline Gene Sequencing + Deletion/Duplication): Booking, Price, and Results
About BRCA Comprehensive Panel (Germline Gene Sequencing + Deletion/Duplication): Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes 1 & 2 Testing, BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing, BRCA1/2 Testing, Germline BRCA Testing |
| Sample Type | Venous blood, saliva, and cheek swab |
| Fasting Required | Not required for a blood sample. If a saliva sample is used, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for 30 minutes beforehand |
| Report Time | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Recommended For | Adults (18 years and above) with a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer; applicable to both males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹20000 |
What Is a BRCA Comprehensive Panel (Germline Gene Sequencing + Deletion/Duplication)?
The BRCA comprehensive panel (germline gene sequencing + deletion/duplication) is a genetic test that analyses the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for inherited changes that may raise the risk of developing certain cancers. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumour suppressor genes that normally help prevent abnormal cell growth, but harmful changes in these genes can reduce that protection.
A blood sample, saliva sample and cheek swab are used to extract DNA for analysis. It is typically ordered by a doctor or genetic counsellor when there is a personal or family history of related cancers. This test is also known as breast cancer susceptibility genes 1 & 2 testing, BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing, BRCA1/2 testing or germline BRCA testing.
What Does a BRCA Comprehensive Panel (Germline Gene Sequencing + Deletion/Duplication) Measure?
| Component | What It Looks For |
|---|---|
| BRCA1 Gene Sequencing | Changes in the BRCA1 gene, which normally helps stop cells from dividing uncontrollably |
| BRCA2 Gene Sequencing | Changes in the BRCA2 gene, which plays a similar role in repairing damaged DNA and regulating cell growth |
Why Is a BRCA Comprehensive Panel (Germline Gene Sequencing + Deletion/Duplication) Done?
Germline BRCA testing helps identify people who carry inherited gene changes that increase cancer risk. A doctor may recommend this test based on personal or family history.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not ordered based on physical symptoms alone. Instead, it is recommended for individuals with certain personal or family history factors. These include:
- Personal history of breast cancer diagnosed before age 50
- Personal history of ovarian cancer at any age
- Male breast cancer in the individual or a family member
- Multiple close relatives with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer
- A known BRCA mutation already identified in a family member
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with a relevant family cancer history
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
- Female breast cancer (lifetime risk is significantly higher in carriers compared with the general population)
- Ovarian cancer (risk is notably elevated, particularly with BRCA1 changes)
- Prostate cancer (especially linked to BRCA2 changes)
- Pancreatic cancer (risk is modestly elevated in carriers of either gene change)
- Male breast cancer (more commonly associated with BRCA2 changes)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, and the collection process is quick and simple.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is needed if a blood sample is taken. If a saliva sample is used instead, you should avoid eating, drinking, and smoking for 30 minutes before the test. Follow the specific instructions given by your doctor or the laboratory during booking.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process for germline BRCA testing is similar to a routine blood test. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist will ask you to be seated comfortably and will check your identification and request details.
- A needle is gently inserted into a vein, usually in the arm, to draw a small blood sample.
- The blood is collected in a special EDTA tube, which keeps the sample stable for DNA analysis.
- For a saliva sample, you should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for at least 30 minutes before collection.
- For a cheek swab sample, a sterile swab is rubbed inside the cheek to collect cells.
- The sample is labelled and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of your results. These include:
- Recent bone marrow transplant or blood transfusion
- Poor sample quality or insufficient DNA yield
- Mutations not covered by this panel
- Inadequate documentation of family and clinical history
Understanding Your BRCA Comprehensive Panel (Germline Gene Sequencing + Deletion/Duplication) Results
Results from BRCA1/2 testing are qualitative, meaning they report the type of variant found rather than a numerical value. Your doctor or genetic counsellor will explain what the findings mean in the context of your personal and family history.
Result Categories
| Result Category | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| No Pathogenic Variant Detected (Negative) | Indicates the absence of known harmful mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. If a harmful variant is known in your family but not detected in your sample, it may be reported as a “true negative”. If there is no family history of harmful gene mutations and your test is negative, it might be labelled as “uninformative”. |
| Pathogenic or Likely Pathogenic Variant Detected (Positive) | Indicates the presence of a known harmful gene mutation, often described as pathogenic, which is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. |
| Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) | Indicates mutations in genes where the cancer risk impact is not yet clearly established. These are common in multigene panel testing. Many VUS results are later reclassified as benign (negative), though some may be found harmful over time. |
These interpretations 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
- People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher prevalence of BRCA founder mutations, increasing the prior probability of a positive result and influencing interpretation.
- Recent allogeneic bone marrow transplant or blood transfusion from another individual may introduce donor DNA, potentially affecting test accuracy. This should be disclosed before testing.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While genetic test results cannot be altered by lifestyle changes, maintaining good overall health is beneficial for everyone regardless of BRCA status.
- Maintain a healthy weight and include regular physical activity in your routine.
- Limit alcohol intake as part of a health-conscious lifestyle.
- Attend all recommended cancer screening appointments and discuss concerns with your doctor or genetic counsellor.
Lupin Diagnostics BRCA Comprehensive Panel (Germline Gene Sequencing + Deletion/Duplication) Price and Home Collection
The BRCA comprehensive panel test starts at ₹20000 at Lupin Diagnostics, with home sample collection offered for your convenience.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹20000 |
| Bengaluru | ₹20000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹20000 |
| Chennai | ₹20000 |
| Pune | ₹20000 |
| Kolkata | ₹20000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- 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 home sample collection for the breast cancer susceptibility genes 1 & 2 tests across cities, allowing patients to complete testing without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories staffed by experienced genetic specialists. Your digital report is delivered via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BRCA comprehensive panel (germline gene sequencing + deletion/duplication) is generally recommended for people with a personal history of breast cancer before age 50, ovarian cancer at any age, or male breast cancer. It is also considered for those with multiple family members affected by breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer or for whom a BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene change has already been identified in a close relative. People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent with a relevant family history may also benefit from testing.
No. A positive BRCA1/2 testing result indicates a higher lifetime risk of certain cancers, but it does not mean cancer will definitely occur. Some individuals who carry a harmful gene change never develop cancer. Your doctor or genetic counsellor will help you understand what the result means for your specific situation.
Germline BRCA testing analyses inherited DNA from a blood or saliva sample and identifies changes passed down through families. Somatic testing, by contrast, examines tumour tissue for gene changes that developed during a person's lifetime rather than being inherited. This panel is a germline test.
A negative result means no harmful change was found in BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, cancer risk can also arise from other genes or non-hereditary factors. A negative result does not eliminate all risk, and routine cancer screening should continue as recommended by your doctor.
Yes. First-degree relatives such as parents, siblings, and children each have a 50% chance of carrying the same gene change. Cascade testing for blood relatives is strongly recommended when a positive result is confirmed.
Results are typically available 3 to 4 weeks after the laboratory receives your sample. Lupin Diagnostics will provide your digital report via email or WhatsApp once ready.
BRCA Comprehensive Panel (Germline Gene Sequencing + Deletion/Duplication): Booking, Price, and Results
