Rapid molecular diagnostics
The rapid molecular diagnostic service at The London Clinic Lung Centre integrates state-of-the-art next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology with the expertise of our world-class oncologists, molecular pathologists and bioinformaticians.
We deliver rapid, precise diagnostic insights to optimise your care plan and ensure you benefit from the latest advances in lung cancer care.
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What is it for?
To analyse genetic material for risk factors for lung cancer and other conditions
What are molecular diagnostics?
Molecular diagnostics at The London Clinic Lung Centre use next-generation sequencing (NGS) – a genetic testing method – to examine molecules in your DNA or RNA (the genetic code found in your cells).
NGS can sequence thousands of genes, or an entire genome, relatively quickly. This technique can be used to study the genetic make-up of lung cancer and find changes or mutations in DNA and RNA linked to the cancer.
This helps your doctor in making a diagnosis, understanding the tumour better and choosing the most effective treatments for you.
Molecular diagnostics can help us to personalise your treatment plan by detecting:
- Driver mutations – finding genetic changes (like EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF) can help our specialists choose targeted treatments
- RNA fusions – identifying gene fusions (such as ALK or RET) that affect treatment options
- Immunotherapy markers – checking for signs like PD-L1 levels or mutation burden lets us know if immunotherapy might work
- Drug resistance – detecting mutations that make treatments less effective helps us to adjust therapy
Preparing for molecular diagnostics
The preparation needed for molecular diagnostics depends on the type of sample you are providing. Samples can be taken from your blood or a biopsy (a minimally invasive technique used to collect a sample of tissue). For lung cancer, molecular diagnostics are typically performed using tissue extracted through a biopsy. You can find out how to prepare for this procedure on our endobronchial ultrasound page.
If you’re providing a sample through a blood test, you don’t need to take any special measures to prepare. You will simply need to arrive at your appointment time at the clinic.
During molecular diagnostics
A clinician will use a needle to take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. Each method typically takes only a few minutes.
Your sample will then be sent to the laboratory for analysis. Your consultant will inform you in advance how long it will take to receive your results. This usually takes anywhere from 10 to 14 days. Molecular diagnostics for tissue take 7-10 days.
For each technique, doctors collect the sample from the body and process it in a slightly different way to make the molecules more visible. A technician then examines the sample under a microscope and prepares a report.
Are there any risks associated with molecular diagnostics or NGS?
There are no specific risks associated with rapid molecular diagnostics or NGS. However, there is a small chance that the sample being analysed may not be sufficient for testing. If this occurs, the biopsy, saliva or blood sample procedure may need to be repeated.
Molecular Diagnostics FAQs
Generally, molecular testing, including NGS, is a very reliable technique when performed correctly by an experienced clinician. However, no test is ever 100% accurate all the time.
There are certain instances when molecular diagnostic testing in non-small cell lung cancer is not possible. For example, if the tissue that needs to be biopsied is not easily accessible, your consultant may try other diagnostic methods.