What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you've been diagnosed with melanoma and need to know whether your tumor carries a BRAF V600 mutation. Knowing your BRAF status helps determine if targeted therapies, like BRAF inhibitor drugs, could be an effective part of your treatment plan. It's typically ordered using a sample of your tumor tissue rather than blood.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your account with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative BRAF V600 finding means. If a mutation is detected, a common next step is discussing targeted therapy options that specifically work against BRAF-mutated melanoma. If no mutation is found, other treatment paths may be more appropriate for your case. You can download the full lab report anytime, and if repeat testing is ever needed on a new tissue sample, you'll be able to track those results over time.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone recently diagnosed with melanoma, especially advanced or metastatic melanoma, should consider this test before starting treatment. It's particularly relevant if targeted drug therapy is being considered as an option instead of or alongside other treatments. Testing is done on tumor tissue that was previously removed or biopsied.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

This isn't a symptom-based test — it's used after a melanoma diagnosis has already been made, typically through a skin biopsy. If you've noticed a new or changing mole, an irregular dark spot, or a lesion that bleeds or won't heal, those are reasons to get a skin biopsy first. Once melanoma is confirmed, BRAF testing helps guide what treatment comes next.

What is BRAF and why does it matter?

BRAF is a gene that helps control cell growth, and when it has a mutation at position 600 (called V600), it can cause cells to grow uncontrollably, which happens in about 40-60% of melanomas. Identifying this mutation matters because certain drugs, called BRAF inhibitors, are specifically designed to block the effects of this faulty gene. Without this mutation, those particular drugs typically won't work as well.

What does a positive BRAF V600 result mean?

A positive result means your melanoma tumor has a mutation at codon 600 of the BRAF gene, most commonly the V600E type. This is generally good news for treatment options, since it means BRAF-targeted drugs like vemurafenib may be effective against your specific tumor. This result is usually shared with your treatment team to help select the right therapy.

What does a negative BRAF result mean?

A negative result means the test didn't detect a BRAF V600E mutation in the tumor sample tested, though it's possible to have a different, less common BRAF mutation that this particular test isn't designed to catch. In this case, BRAF-targeted drugs are less likely to be effective, and other treatment approaches would typically be considered instead. Additional or broader genetic testing may sometimes be recommended to look for other mutations.

How often should I retest?

BRAF mutation status is usually tested once at diagnosis or when melanoma has progressed to a more advanced stage, since this is a feature of the tumor's DNA rather than something that changes day to day. If you have a new tumor biopsy or your melanoma recurs, retesting on that new tissue sample may be considered. Your treatment plan will guide whether and when retesting makes sense.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your test shows a BRAF V600 mutation, the next step is usually exploring targeted therapy drugs designed to work against this specific mutation. Bring your report to your treatment planning discussions, since this result can directly shape which medications are considered. Staying on top of any scheduled follow-up scans or bloodwork is also an important part of monitoring your progress.

What causes a tumor to develop a BRAF mutation?

BRAF mutations happen when there's damage to the DNA in skin cells, often linked to UV exposure from sunlight or tanning beds over time. These are changes that occur in the tumor cells themselves, not something inherited or passed down in families. This is why sun protection remains an important step in reducing melanoma risk in the first place.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Melanoma BRAF V600 Test - Targeted Therapy Guide

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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