Test Price
2,000 AED✅ Home Collection Available
Microsatellite Instability (MSI) by PCR, Fragment Analysis in UAE | 2,000 AED | DHA-Approved Molecular Oncology
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
The Microsatellite Instability (MSI) PCR Fragment Analysis test is a molecular diagnostic assay that evaluates tumor DNA from FFPE tissue blocks. This test helps oncologists determine patient eligibility for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and diagnose Lynch syndrome with 99.9% diagnostic accuracy, in compliance with current DHA standards.
Premium Logistics & Patient Support
- ✓ ISO-Certified Secure Courier Retrieval — Temperature-controlled transport of FFPE blocks across all UAE emirates.
- ✓ No Phlebotomy Required — This test uses existing surgical pathology tissue; no blood draw needed.
- ✓ Telephonic Post-Test Clinical Guidance — Board-certified oncopathologist consultation on result interpretation within 48 hours of report issuance.
- ✓ Direct Insurance Billing Verification — WhatsApp pre-approval via +971 54 548 8731.
Test Overview & Methodology
The Microsatellite Instability (MSI) PCR test is a molecular diagnostic assay that evaluates tumor DNA for replication errors at specific microsatellite loci, enabling oncologists to classify tumors as MSI-High (MSI-H), MSI-Low (MSI-L), or Microsatellite Stable (MSS). This classification directly informs eligibility for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and flags potential Lynch syndrome, making it a cornerstone of precision oncology in the UAE.
| Parameter | Our MSI PCR Test | IHC (MMR Protein) Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology | PCR + Fragment Analysis (Capillary Electrophoresis) | Immunohistochemistry (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) |
| Panel Size | 5-Marker Bethesda Panel + NR-21/NR-24 optional | 4-Marker MMR Protein Panel |
| Diagnostic Specificity | 99.9% — Direct DNA-level detection | ~92% — Protein expression may be preserved despite mutation |
| Turnaround Time | 10 Days | 5–7 Days |
| Lynch Syndrome Detection | Gold Standard — Detects all MMR-deficient cases | May miss up to 10% of cases with intact protein expression |
IHC and MSI PCR are complementary; combined testing yields the highest diagnostic yield per NCCN and DHA guidelines.
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
Lina Osama Zaki Quteineh | Consultant Medical Genetics | DHA Registration ID: 9294403
"As a clinical geneticist specializing in hereditary cancer syndromes, I emphasize that MSI testing is not merely a biomarker for immunotherapy—it is a gateway to identifying Lynch syndrome families. Every MSI-H result in a patient under 50 must trigger a cascade of genetic counseling, multi-gene panel testing, and cascade screening for at-risk relatives. The PCR-based fragment analysis approach provides the highest resolution for microsatellite instability detection, but it must be interpreted in the context of tumor type, stage, and family history. A negative result does not rule out mismatch repair deficiency in all cases, and correlation with IHC remains essential."
⚠ Medication Advisory
Important: Do not alter your current treatment regimen based solely on MSI results. Test findings inform long-term strategy; any changes to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or supportive care must be directed by your treating oncologist. Continue all prescribed medications until advised otherwise.
Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
Sample Rejection Criteria:
- FFPE block with insufficient tumor cellularity (less than 20% tumor nuclei per pathologist review)
- Severely degraded or fragmented DNA due to improper formalin fixation or prolonged archival storage
- Non-FFPE specimen types (fresh frozen tissue requires alternate protocol — contact lab for details)
- Block submitted without corresponding H&E-stained slide for tumor area annotation
Patient Red Flags (Report Immediately):
- New or worsening cancer-related symptoms — contact your treating oncologist, not the laboratory
- MSI-H result with strong family history of colorectal, endometrial, gastric, or ovarian cancer — urgent genetic counseling referral indicated
- Discordance between MSI PCR and MMR IHC results — requires repeat testing with alternative methodology
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the MSI PCR test and why is it critical for cancer treatment decisions?
The MSI PCR test directly measures genetic instability within tumor DNA at five standardized microsatellite markers, enabling oncologists to determine whether a tumor possesses defective DNA mismatch repair machinery — a finding that predicts robust response to pembrolizumab and nivolumab immunotherapy regardless of tumor type.
2. How is the FFPE tissue sample collected and what is the expected turnaround time?
Your existing FFPE tissue block from a prior biopsy or surgical resection is collected via our ISO-certified secure courier service, transported under temperature-controlled conditions to our Dubai laboratory, with results returned within 10 working days from sample receipt.
3. What do MSI-H, MSI-L, and MSS results mean for my personalized cancer treatment plan?
MSI-High (instability at 2 or more markers) indicates defective mismatch repair and strongly predicts benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors while simultaneously warranting genetic counseling for Lynch syndrome; MSI-Low and MSS results suggest a stable repair system where immunotherapy alone may be less effective, guiding oncologists toward chemotherapy or combination approaches.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
- This laboratory operates under DHA Facility License No. 1143 issued by the Dubai Health Authority.
- All testing complies with Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields and Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability.
- Patient genomic data is processed and stored in full compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL); all molecular results are encrypted, anonymized for research purposes, and never shared with third parties without explicit informed consent.
- Minor patients require documented parental or legal guardian consent for testing, in accordance with DHA regulations.
- Quality Management System certified to ISO 9001:2015 (Certificate: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139) with annual surveillance audits.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Microsatellite Instability (MSI) by PCR, Fragment Analysis |
| Price (AED) | 2,000 AED |
| Turnaround Time | 10 Working Days |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Tumor Tissue Block |
| Methodology Used | PCR + Fragment Analysis (Capillary Electrophoresis) |
| ICD-10-CM Code | Z15.09, C18.9, C54.1 |
| LOINC Code | 81679-5 |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | DNA Labs UAE · DHA License No: 1143 · Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE |
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