OncoPro PD-L1 Circulating Tumor Cells Test
Short Name: OncoPro PD-L1 CTC Test
Also known as: PD-L1 Liquid Biopsy Test, Circulating Tumor Cells PD-L1 Expression Test, OncoPro Liquid Biopsy PD-L1 Test, CTC PD-L1 Immunotherapy Eligibility Test
OncoPro PD-L1 Circulating Tumor Cells Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹52,650. Uses Cell Enrichment and Extraction, Immunocytochemical Staining, Fluorescence Microscopy, PD-L1 Expression Analysis on CTCs on Whole Blood samples. Results in 21 Working Days from the date of sample receipt at the laboratory. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the OncoPro PD-L1 Circulating Tumor Cells Test is to detect and quantify circulating tumor cells in the blood and assess PD-L1 protein expression on these cells. This information is used by oncologists to guide immunotherapy treatment decisions. High PD-L1 expression on CTCs may indicate that a patient is more likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The test also serves as a non-invasive method to monitor disease progression, assess treatment response, and detect changes in PD-L1 status over time without the need for repeated tissue biopsies.
- Test Code
- 43
- CPT Code
- 81479
- ICD Code
- D49.9
- Price
- ₹52,650
- Sample Type
- Whole Blood
- Result Time
- 21 Working Days from the date of sample receipt at the laboratory
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Cell Enrichment and Extraction, Immunocytochemical Staining, Fluorescence Microscopy, PD-L1 Expression Analysis on CTCs
Sample Collection
Ensure the OncoPro Liquid Biopsy Clinical Information Form (Form 32) is duly filled with all required clinical details. No fasting is required. Obtain the OncoPro sample collection kit from LPL in advance. Verify that the preservative supplied in the kit is available and not expired.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
Collect 8 mL of whole blood via standard venipuncture into the Lavender Top (EDTA) tube provided in the OncoPro sample collection kit. Immediately after collection, add the preservative supplied in the kit to the EDTA tube using a sterile syringe and needle as directed in the kit instructions. Gently invert the tube several times to ensure adequate mixing.
Report Delivery
Label the tube with the patient's details and ship the sample immediately at 18–22 °C (room temperature). Do NOT refrigerate or freeze the sample. The sample is stable at room temperature for up to 72 hours. Ensure Form 32 accompanies the sample during shipment.
Timeline: 21 Working Days from the date of sample receipt at the laboratory
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the OncoPro PD-L1 Circulating Tumor Cells Test is to detect and quantify circulating tumor cells in the blood and assess PD-L1 protein expression on these cells. This information is used by oncologists to guide immunotherapy treatment decisions. High PD-L1 expression on CTCs may indicate that a patient is more likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The test also serves as a non-invasive method to monitor disease progression, assess treatment response, and detect changes in PD-L1 status over time without the need for repeated tissue biopsies.
How to Prepare
- Use only the Lavender Top (EDTA) tube provided in the OncoPro sample collection kit from LPL
- Collect 8 mL of whole blood by venipuncture
- Immediately add the preservative from the kit into the EDTA tube using a syringe and needle
- Invert the tube gently 8–10 times to mix
- Do NOT refrigerate or freeze the sample at any point
- Ship the sample immediately at 18–22 °C (room temperature)
- Ensure the sample reaches the laboratory within 72 hours of collection
- Attach the completed OncoPro Liquid Biopsy Clinical Information Form (Form 32) with the sample
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"The OncoPro PD-L1 CTC test is a valuable adjunct in our immunotherapy decision-making workflow. For patients who are not candidates for tissue biopsy or where repeated tissue sampling is impractical, this liquid biopsy approach allows us to assess PD-L1 status in real time from a simple blood draw. It is particularly useful for monitoring changes in PD-L1 expression during the course of treatment, which can guide therapy modifications. However, this test should always be interpreted alongside clinical findings, imaging studies, and other laboratory results. It does not replace tissue biopsy where one can be safely performed, but it offers important complementary information."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample received without the mandatory OncoPro Liquid Biopsy Clinical Information Form (Form 32)
- Sample received refrigerated or frozen
- Sample collected in an incorrect tube or container not from the OncoPro kit
- Sample received more than 72 hours after collection
- Sample with visible clotting or hemolysis
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 8 mL)
- Missing or illegible patient identification on the tube
Understanding Your Results
Low circulating tumor cell burden with no detectable PD-L1 expression. This may suggest lower tumor activity and is generally considered a more favorable prognostic indicator. Immunotherapy may not be indicated based on PD-L1 status alone; clinical correlation is essential.
Low circulating tumor cell burden with detectable PD-L1 expression. The presence of PD-L1, even at low CTC counts, may suggest potential eligibility for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Consult your oncologist for a comprehensive treatment evaluation.
Elevated circulating tumor cell burden without detectable PD-L1 expression. A higher CTC count is associated with advanced disease and poorer prognosis. Absence of PD-L1 may suggest limited benefit from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy, though combination strategies may be considered. Urgent oncological consultation is advised.
Elevated circulating tumor cell burden with detectable PD-L1 expression. This indicates active disease with immune checkpoint marker expression. The patient may be a candidate for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Close monitoring and oncological consultation are essential.
You should consult your oncologist if your test results show any detectable circulating tumor cells or positive PD-L1 expression. Additionally, consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, unexplained pain, unusual bleeding or discharge, difficulty swallowing, changes in bowel or bladder habits, chronic cough, or hoarseness. This test should always be ordered by and discussed with a qualified oncologist who can integrate the findings with your complete clinical picture.
Limitations
- ⚠This test is intended as an adjunct to clinical evaluation and does not replace tissue biopsy where it can be safely performed
- ⚠A negative PD-L1 result on CTCs does not definitively exclude the possibility of response to immunotherapy
- ⚠A positive PD-L1 result does not guarantee a response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
- ⚠CTC detection rates may vary depending on cancer type, stage, and tumor biology
- ⚠This test is not validated for all cancer types and should be ordered and interpreted by a qualified oncologist
- ⚠Results should be interpreted alongside clinical findings, imaging, and other laboratory investigations
Risks & Considerations
- ●Mild discomfort or bruising at the venipuncture site
- ●Rare risk of minor bleeding or infection at the needle puncture point
- ●Fainting or lightheadedness in individuals sensitive to blood draws
- ●No significant medical risks beyond those associated with a routine blood draw
Interfering Factors
- ●Delay in sample processing or shipping beyond the 72-hour room temperature stability window may compromise cell integrity and result accuracy
- ●Failure to add the preservative supplied in the OncoPro kit to the EDTA tube prior to sample collection
- ●Refrigeration or freezing of the sample, which is explicitly contraindicated
- ●Incomplete clinical information on the mandatory Form 32 may delay processing
- ●Certain benign conditions or recent invasive procedures may rarely result in the presence of non-malignant epithelial cells in the blood
Compare With Similar Tests
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| Comparison | OncoPro PD-L1 Circulating Tumor Cells Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OncoPro PD-L1 Circulating Tumor Cells Test?
What are circulating tumor cells (CTCs)?
What does PD-L1 expression mean?
Who should take this test?
How is the blood sample collected for this test?
Is fasting required before this test?
How long does it take to get the results?
What is the cost of the OncoPro PD-L1 Circulating Tumor Cells Test?
Can this test replace a tissue biopsy?
What does it mean if my PD-L1 result is positive?
What does it mean if my PD-L1 result is negative?
Is the OncoPro PD-L1 CTC Test painful or risky?
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