What is the Zydus Shield MCD Test? Price and accuracy of the 10-cancer blood test
A new multi-cancer blood test, Shield MCD, screening for ten cancers including breast and lung, has launched in India for individuals aged 45+, offering high accuracy.
A new multi-cancer blood test, Shield MCD, screening for ten cancers including breast and lung, has launched in India for individuals aged 45+, offering high accuracy.
A new multi-cancer blood test, Shield MCD, screening for ten cancers including breast and lung, has launched in India for individuals aged 45+, offering high accuracy.
Ever wish a single test could detect all things wrong with your health? Something similar is now available in India. The Shield Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) Test, which screens for 10 different cancers, was officially launched in India a few days ago. It can screen for cancers like breast, lung, colorectal, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, liver, gastric, oesophageal and bladder cancer. The test was launched in India by Ahmedabad-based Zydus Lifesciences Ltd, a multinational pharmaceutical company, and was developed by Guardant Health in the US. Apollo Cancer Centres will be the first healthcare institution in the country to deploy and administer the blood tests. The test is for those aged 45 and above.
How much does it cost
As of now, the company hasn't disclosed MCD's cost in India yet. However, similar tests in India can cost up to ₹1,00,000, according to Apollo Hospitals. The test was first launched in the USA in 2021. There, it costs between $650 to $950.
How accurate is MCD
According to reports, MCD's specificity is 98%, with an incredibly low false-positive rate. Apparently, it is the best at detecting cancers that only appear in the late stages, such as colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers.