Trucheck Intelli Multi-Cancer Screening (Datar Cancer Genetics)
Non-invasive blood test detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for early multi-cancer screening.
Table of contents
Basic data
Trucheck Intelli is a non-invasive blood-based cancer screening test developed by Datar Cancer Genetics (UK). It detects circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and tumor-associated markers in peripheral blood using advanced immunocytochemistry and molecular profiling. The goal is to identify the presence of malignancy before clinical symptoms appear.
The test is designed for early detection of solid tumors across multiple organs (e.g., breast, prostate, colon, pancreas, lung, ovary) by isolating rare cells expressing cancer-associated proteins such as EpCAM and PanCK. It provides a binary result — “Detected” or “Not Detected” — indicating whether circulating tumor cells are present in the sample.
While Trucheck Intelli represents an important advancement in non-invasive oncology diagnostics, its predictive value depends on tumor stage and cell shedding rate. A negative result does not guarantee absence of disease but suggests no circulating malignant cells were identified at the time of sampling.
Category: Lab blood panel
Level: Beginner
Usefulness: High
Level
Beginner
Usefulness
High
Early multi-cancer detection
Detects circulating tumor cells across multiple organ systems, allowing earlier intervention than traditional imaging or symptom-based diagnosis.
Non-invasive and safe
Requires only a standard blood sample, avoiding radiation exposure or invasive biopsies.
Preventive value
Suitable for routine preventive screening, especially for individuals with family history or elevated risk profiles.
How it works
Blood sample collection
A small amount of venous blood is drawn and stabilized for laboratory analysis. Samples are shipped under controlled conditions to Datar Cancer Genetics laboratories.
Circulating tumor cell enrichment
Cells are isolated through differential centrifugation and selective depletion of non-malignant components.
Immunocytochemistry
Enriched cells are stained with antibodies targeting epithelial (EpCAM, PanCK) and tumor-associated antigens to confirm the presence of malignant cells.
Measures
CTC Detection Status
Indicates whether circulating tumor cells were identified. “Detected” suggests possible malignancy; “Not Detected” indicates absence of observable CTCs.
Marker Expression
EpCAM and PanCK positivity confirm epithelial origin of detected cells, supporting cancer-specific identification.
Test Quality Metrics
Includes sample integrity and internal control validation to ensure result reliability.
Reliability
Specificity
Extremely low false-positive rate due to multi-marker immunostaining and morphological confirmation.
Sensitivity
Detection rates vary by tumor burden and cell shedding; smaller or dormant tumors may remain undetected.
Limitations
Snapshot in time
Detects circulating tumor cells present at the moment of testing; intermittent shedding may cause false negatives.
No tumor localization
A positive result indicates the presence of malignant cells but not the location of the primary tumor.
Sensitivity limitations
Early-stage cancers with low cell shedding may go undetected; follow-up imaging or additional tests may be required.
Frequency
Suggested cadence
Once per year as part of a preventive screening program, or more frequently for individuals with elevated genetic or familial cancer risk.
Cost
Typical costs
Around €600–1000 depending on location, logistics, and whether it is combined with other preventive diagnostics.
Availability
Where available
Conducted by Datar Cancer Genetics laboratories in the UK and India, and offered through authorized longevity clinics and diagnostic centers worldwide.
Preparation
How to prepare
No fasting or special preparation required. Avoid acute illness or active inflammation before testing to reduce the risk of false signals.
Interpretation
“Not Detected”
No circulating tumor cells identified — indicates low probability of active malignancy at the time of testing, but does not eliminate all risk.
“Detected”
Circulating tumor cells found — requires prompt follow-up imaging or specialist evaluation for localization and staging.
Alternatives
Galleri (Grail)
A liquid biopsy using cfDNA methylation profiling to detect multiple cancer types via blood plasma, rather than circulating cells.
Guardant Shield
Detects tumor-derived DNA fragments (ctDNA) instead of intact tumor cells for multi-cancer early detection.
FAQ
Can a negative Trucheck result rule out cancer?
No. A negative result indicates no detectable circulating tumor cells at the time of testing but cannot completely rule out early-stage or dormant cancers.
What does a positive Trucheck result mean?
It suggests the presence of circulating tumor cells. Additional imaging and diagnostic workup are required to locate and confirm any tumor.
Is Trucheck a replacement for traditional cancer screening?
No. It is a complementary tool for early detection and risk assessment, not a substitute for standard imaging or colonoscopy, mammography, or PSA testing.