Neuroblastoma Liquid Biopsy Panel (cfDNA / ctDNA)

Neuroblastoma Liquid Biopsy Panel (cfDNA / ctDNA)

High-sensitivity, minimally invasive testing for pediatric neuroblastoma 
Performed at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in the Genomic Diagnostics Laboratory, a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory.

Overview 

The Neuroblastoma Liquid Biopsy Panel (cfDNA / ctDNA) is a plasma-based, next-generation sequencing assay designed to detect tumor-associated genomic alterations in pediatric neuroblastoma from a blood sample. This test is especially valuable when tissue is limited, for longitudinal monitoring, or as a supplement to conventional diagnostics. 

Clinical Utility 

  • At diagnosis: Provides genomic insights when tumor tissue is unavailable or unsafe to obtain.
  • During treatment: Enables measurable residual disease (MRD) and molecular response monitoring.
  • At relapse or progression: Identifies resistant clones or new alterations.
  • For clinical trials: Provides standardized cfDNA testing endpoints for pediatric oncology studies. 

Test Features & Specimen Requirements 

Key information about methodology, genes covered, performance characteristics, and specimen collection/handling instructions can be found in the CHOP Online Service Directory. 

Reporting & Turnaround 

  • Turnaround time: ~14 business days from specimen receipt.
  • Reports: Delivered to the ordering provider via the preferred secure method.
  • STAT testing: Not available. 

Ordering & Billing 

Once the requisition is submitted, an option will appear to download a PDF copy of the requisition. Please download and print a copy of the requisition. This printed requisition should be included with the specimen kit when shipped back to CHOP. 

Note: Some clinicians or trial sites will have their own account-specific requisition link. If available, please use your designated link. The general link above can be used if necessary, but it will not include account-specific details. 

  • Kit requests:
  • Request a Collection Kit
  • Billing options (for outreach patients*):
  • Institutional billing: In most cases, CHOP bills the referring institution directly. If you are unsure whether your site has an account with CHOP, please email ClinicalLabOutreach@chop.edu to confirm.
  • Self-pay (outreach patients only): Patients/families outside of CHOP may choose to pay directly. For self-pay instructions, please email ClinicalLabOutreach@chop.edu.
  • CPT code: 81462
  • Billing code (EAP): 808644 

* Outreach patients are those whose testing is ordered by a clinician outside of CHOP. This includes patients who receive all of their care outside of CHOP, as well as CHOP patients whose testing is ordered by an outside clinician. 

Educational Resources 

For Biopharma & Clinical Research 

We offer this clinical testing for use in clinical trials and with sponsors. 
CHOP provides the Neuroblastoma Liquid Biopsy Panel as a validated clinical assay that can be integrated into sponsored clinical trials and translational research studies. 

Why Partner with CHOP 

  • Expertise in pediatric oncology and neuroblastoma.
  • Global logistics support and dedicated outreach program management.
  • Validated assays within CLIA/CAP quality systems.
  • Flexible models: feasibility studies, pilot programs, or large-scale partnerships. 

Contact for Biopharma Partnerships: ClinicalLabOutreach@chop.edu 

Clinical Referrals

For patients and families seeking care beyond testing: 

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