Cyfra 21-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Cyfra 21-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cytokeratin 19 Fragment, Cytokeratin Fragment 21-1, Soluble Cytokeratin 19 Fragment, Lung Cancer Marker |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 to 8 days (varies by laboratory) |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders, primarily those diagnosed with or at risk of non-small cell lung cancer |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,200 |
What Is a Cyfra 21-1 Test?
The Cyfra 21-1 test measures the level of a specific protein fragment in the blood. This fragment, known as the cytokeratin 19 fragment, is released into the bloodstream when certain epithelial cells (cells that line organs and airways) break down or die. Doctors use this test mainly to monitor treatment response and track disease progression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm is all that is needed.
What Does a Cyfra 21-1 Test Measure?
This test detects the concentration of a single protein fragment in the blood. Here is a brief explanation of what that means.
| Component | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| CYFRA 21-1 (Cytokeratin 19 Fragment) | A soluble fragment of cytokeratin 19, a structural protein found in cells lining the airways and certain ducts | When these cells are damaged or die rapidly, as in cancer, fragments are released into the blood. Higher concentrations may point to increased tumour activity |
The cytokeratin 19 fragment test measures this fragment in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). Because intact cytokeratin proteins do not dissolve easily in the bloodstream, only soluble fragments like CYFRA 21-1 are detectable in serum.
Why Is a Cyfra 21-1 Test Done?
This test is ordered for several reasons, ranging from initial investigation of symptoms to ongoing disease monitoring.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with any of the following:
- Persistent cough that does not resolve over weeks
- Chest pain, particularly on breathing deeply
- Unexplained difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood (haemoptysis)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty in swallowing
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The lung cancer marker test is associated with several conditions. These include:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially squamous cell lung cancer
- Muscle-invasive bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Breast cancer (monitoring for recurrence)
- Biliary tract cancer
Cyfra 21-1 Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The Cyfra 21-1 test has well-established test for tracking patients with NSCLC who are receiving treatment. Elevated levels before treatment may indicate a less favourable prognosis, while falling levels during therapy may indicate a positive response. Oncologists commonly request this test at regular intervals during chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other treatments to detect recurrence early.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward, and the collection process is quick.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. Food and drink do not interfere with the measurement of cytokeratin fragment 21-1 in the blood. You can take this test at any time of the day.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure accurate results:
- Inform your doctor and the collection team about all medications, supplements, and any underlying illnesses
- Provide a brief clinical history at the time of sample collection
- If this is a follow-up or monitoring test, try to book it at a similar time of day each time
- Ideally, use the same laboratory for all serial monitoring tests, as results can vary slightly between different laboratory methods
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process is simple and takes only a few minutes:
- A trained phlebotomist (a professional who draws blood) cleans a small area, usually on the inside of your arm, with an antiseptic wipe.
- A sterile needle is used to draw a small amount of blood from a vein.
- The blood is collected into a specialised tube and labelled.
- The sample is allowed to clot at room temperature; the serum is then separated from the cells, ideally within two hours of collection.
- The processed serum is sent to an accredited laboratory where an immunoassay method is used to measure CYFRA 21-1 levels.
- Results are reported as a numerical value in ng/mL and sent to your doctor within the stipulated turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Contamination of the blood sample with saliva (which contains cytokeratins) can cause a falsely high reading
- Samples that show signs of haemolysis (broken red blood cells), jaundice-related pigments, or high fat content may be rejected by the laboratory
- Results from different assay methods or kits should not be compared directly
- Kidney or liver disease can independently raise CYFRA 21-1 levels
Understanding Your Cyfra 21-1 Test Results
Results should always be reviewed alongside your full clinical picture. The table below shows the generally accepted reference range for this test.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| CYFRA 21-1 | Less than 3.3 | ng/mL |
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 health conditions can make interpretation of results more complex:
- Patients with chronic kidney disease may have elevated Cyfra 21-1 levels even in the absence of cancer. When kidney filtration is significantly reduced, results cannot be interpreted in the usual way.
- Liver disease with high bilirubin levels can also interfere with results, making it harder to draw clear conclusions.
- Older age, heavy smoking, and significant weight loss have been associated with raised levels in people without cancer.
- Skin conditions (dermatological diseases) may also affect CYFRA 21-1 concentrations.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits support lung and overall health:
- Avoid smoking. It is a leading risk factor for lung cancer and may independently affect marker levels.
- Protect your lungs by minimising exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants and occupational chemicals.
- If you are under oncology care, attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure timely monitoring.
Lupin Diagnostics Cyfra 21-1 Test Price and Home Collection
The Cyfra 21-1 test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹3,200, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Guwahati | ₹3,200 |
| Mumbai | ₹3,200 |
| Hyderabad | ₹3,200 |
| Kolkata | ₹3,200 |
| Bangalore | ₹3,200 |
| Chennai | ₹3,200 |
| Lucknow | ₹3,200 |
| Pune | ₹3,200 |
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 Cyfra 21-1 test across multiple cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Digital reports are delivered directly to you via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cyfra 21-1 test is primarily used to monitor treatment response and track disease progression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It can also help assess prognosis and detect recurrence after therapy. Your doctor will decide when and how often to order it based on your treatment plan.
No. A single CYFRA 21-1 result cannot confirm or rule out cancer on its own. The result must be considered alongside other clinical findings, imaging, and tests. Your doctor will use it as one piece of a broader assessment.
No fasting is needed. The lung cancer marker test can be taken at any time of the day, regardless of when you last ate or drank. Inform the collection team about any medications or supplements you are taking.
Yes. Non-cancerous conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, benign lung conditions, and COPD can also cause raised levels. Smoking and certain skin conditions may also affect levels. This is why a doctor's interpretation is essential before drawing any conclusions.
The frequency is determined by your oncologist based on your treatment plan and clinical situation. Patients in remission are often tested every three to six months as a surveillance measure. Consistency in the laboratory and testing method used is important for accurate comparison over time.
The cytokeratin 19 fragment test has limited sensitivity for small cell lung cancer, detecting it in only around 16% of cases. For small-cell lung cancer, a different marker called NSE (neuron-specific enolase) is generally preferred. Your doctor will select the appropriate marker based on your diagnosis.
Yes. Raised cytokeratin fragment 21-1 levels have also been observed in bladder cancer, head and neck cancers, breast cancer recurrence, and certain other epithelial cancers. The test is not specific to the lungs alone, which is why a clinical context is always required for accurate interpretation.
Cyfra 21-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
