UNDERSTANDING RGCC TESTING
- What is RGCC testing?
RGCC stands for Research Genetic Cancer Centre. RGCC is an international laboratory group that develops and runs specialised blood-based laboratory panels designed to provide biological information for clinical consideration. Oritov is the authorised RGCC distributor for Southeast Asia, supporting access to these panels through licensed healthcare professionals across Singapore and the region. - What is a liquid biopsy?
A liquid biopsy is a blood-based laboratory approach that analyses biological markers circulating in the bloodstream — without the need for a tissue biopsy or invasive procedure. It is one of several types of laboratory testing that may provide additional biological information for a doctor’s consideration. - Are these tests the same as a regular blood test?
No. Standard blood tests check general health markers such as cholesterol, blood counts, or organ function. RGCC panels are specialised laboratory assessments that evaluate specific biological markers — such as immune cell gene expression patterns or circulating tumour cell counts — for your doctor’s clinical consideration. - Can these tests diagnose cancer?
No. RGCC panels do not diagnose cancer. They provide supporting biological information for your doctor’s consideration alongside other clinical information, imaging, and specialist assessment. A cancer diagnosis can only be made by a qualified and registered healthcare professional through the appropriate diagnostic process.
THE PROCESS
Who are these tests for?
RGCC panels are for people who are already in discussion with a qualified doctor about their cancer care pathway. The specific panels available through Oritov cover three areas — biological health assessment, treatment discussions, and cancer monitoring — and your doctor will advise whether any of them may be relevant for your individual situation.Can I order an RGCC test myself?
No. All RGCC panels are ordered through a qualified healthcare professional. They are not available directly to patients without a clinical referral. This is not a restriction Oritov can bypass — it is a clinical safeguard that ensures your results are ordered, received, and interpreted by someone qualified to do so.How do I get access to RGCC testing?
Start by speaking with your doctor. If you are interested in exploring whether RGCC testing may be relevant for your situation, raise it at your next clinical appointment. Your doctor will assess whether it is appropriate and, if so, coordinate the order through Oritov’s team. If you would like help preparing for that conversation, our team can assist.What happens after my doctor places an order?
A blood draw is arranged at a participating clinic — a straightforward, non-invasive procedure. Your sample is then shipped to RGCC’s accredited laboratory for analysis. Once completed, the results are sent directly to your doctor, who will review them with you at a follow-up appointment.How long does it take to get results?
Turnaround time varies depending on the panel. Most panels take between 7 and 21 business days from sample receipt at the laboratory. Your doctor’s team and Oritov’s coordination team will keep you informed at each stage of the process.Is the test painful?
No. All RGCC panels available through Oritov require only a standard blood draw — no biopsy, no imaging radiation, and no invasive procedure of any kind.
THE RESULTS
- What does a reactive or positive result mean?
A reactive result indicates a biological signal that your doctor will consider alongside your other clinical information. It does not confirm a cancer diagnosis. It supports a conversation with your doctor about appropriate next steps, which may include further clinical evaluation. Your doctor is best placed to explain what the result means in the context of your specific situation. - What does a non-reactive or negative result mean?
A non-reactive result means no significant reactive signal was identified. This supports continuing your health management plan as your doctor advises. It does not rule out cancer or other conditions. Your doctor will discuss what the result means for your ongoing care. - Can I interpret my own results?
Results are delivered directly to your treating doctor and are intended to be interpreted within a clinical context. They should not be self-interpreted. Your doctor will review the findings alongside your medical history and other clinical information, and discuss with you what the results may mean and whether any further steps are appropriate. - Do these tests replace imaging or a biopsy?
No. RGCC panels do not replace imaging, biopsy, histopathology, or any other diagnostic investigation. They are intended to provide supporting biological information for your doctor’s consideration alongside your existing diagnostic pathway — not instead of it. - How often should these tests be repeated?
This depends entirely on your doctor’s clinical assessment and your individual circumstances. Your doctor will advise on whether and when repeat testing may be appropriate for your situation.
PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
- How much does it cost?
Pricing for RGCC panels varies depending on the specific panel and your clinical circumstances. Our coordination team and your doctor’s team can advise on costs before any decision is made to proceed. Pricing is not published publicly, so please contact our team or speak with your doctor for more information. - Is RGCC testing covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage varies by provider and policy. We recommend checking with your insurance provider directly. Where applicable, our coordination team can provide supporting documentation to assist with insurance enquiries. - My doctor hasn’t heard of RGCC testing. What should I do?
This is not uncommon. RGCC panels are a specialised area of laboratory medicine, and not every clinician will be familiar with them. Oritov’s Doctor’s Portal provides registered healthcare professionals with clinical documentation, laboratory methodology, and technical specifications. You can invite your doctor to register and review the information, or our team can help facilitate that conversation. - Can I access RGCC testing if I am based outside Singapore?
Education and patient navigation support from Oritov is available to patients and caregivers across Singapore, Malaysia, China, Australia, and the United States through both in-person and online sessions. If you are based outside these regions, please contact our team to discuss what options may be available.
ORITOV & DR. JERVIN LIM
- What is Oritov’s role, and how is it different from my doctor’s role?
Oritov is Singapore’s precision oncology education and access platform, as well as Southeast Asia’s authorised RGCC distributor. Our role is to provide education, coordinate access, and support patients and healthcare professionals throughout the testing pathway — not to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical advice.
