16S rRNA Sequencing Price, Purpose, and Procedure in India
Introduction
16S rRNA Sequencing is a powerful genomic technique that identifies bacterial species by analyzing their unique genetic fingerprints. DNA Labs India offers this advanced test to help clinicians and researchers detect pathogens that are difficult to culture, leading to faster, more targeted treatment decisions and a deeper understanding of the human microbiome.
Quick Facts Table
| Test Name | Sample Type | Price (INR) | Turnaround Time | Home Collection Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16S rRNA Sequencing | Extracted DNA / Clinical Specimens | ₹ 5,000 | 2 Weeks | Free Home Collection PAN-India |
What is 16S rRNA Sequencing?
The 16S ribosomal RNA gene is a piece of DNA universal to all bacteria. It contains both conserved regions (same in all bacteria) and variable regions (unique to each species). By sequencing this gene from a sample, we can precisely identify which bacteria are present, even if they cannot be grown in a standard lab culture. This method provides a comprehensive snapshot of the bacterial community, whether from a patient sample for diagnosis or an environmental sample for research .
Clinical Indications: Who Should Take This Test?
This test is a powerful tool when standard methods fall short. It is commonly recommended for:
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Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO): Identifying pathogens in patients where repeated cultures are negative.
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Culture-Negative Infections: Detecting bacteria that are slow-growing, fastidious (picky), or impossible to culture using traditional media .
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Deep-Seated or Abscess Infections: Analyzing fluid or tissue from deep infections where sampling is difficult and rapid identification is critical.
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Joint and Bone Infections (Septic Arthritis/Osteomyelitis): Identifying the causative organism from synovial fluid or bone biopsies.
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Meningitis or Encephalitis: Detecting bacterial pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) when standard cultures are inconclusive.
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Microbiome Research & Analysis: Characterizing the entire bacterial ecosystem of the gut , skin, or oral cavity for research or clinical studies (e.g., IBD/IBS analysis).
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Monitoring Treatment Efficacy: Tracking changes in the microbiome in response to antibiotics, probiotics, or other therapies .
The Process: 4 Simple Steps
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Booking & Consultation: Book the test online or call our 24/7 support. Our team will guide you on the specific sample requirements (extracted DNA, body fluid, tissue, or stool).
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Sample Collection: A trained professional will collect your sample at your home in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, or any city across India. For research samples, secure courier drop-off is also available.
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DNA Extraction & Sequencing: In our state-of-the-art, [ISO 9001:2015 certified [PDF]] laboratory, we extract DNA (if not provided) and perform high-resolution sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene.
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Bioinformatics & Report: Our experts analyze the sequences against global databases. You receive a comprehensive digital report detailing the bacterial species identified and their relative abundance.
Why Choose DNA Labs India for 16S Sequencing?
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Unmatched Accuracy: We utilize advanced sequencing platforms and bioinformatics pipelines to ensure precise bacterial identification, down to the genus and often species level.
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ISO-Certified Quality: Our commitment to excellence is backed by our [ISO 9001:2015 certified [PDF]] status, ensuring reliable, reproducible results for critical clinical and research decisions.
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Expert Support: Our team of microbiologists and bioinformaticians are available to help you interpret complex results and answer technical questions.
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PAN-India Accessibility: We provide free home sample collection across all major metros and Tier-2/3 cities, making advanced genomic testing accessible to everyone.
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Fast Turnaround: With results in 2 weeks, we provide one of the quickest turnaround times in India for comprehensive 16S analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is fasting required before providing a sample?
No, fasting is not required for 16S rRNA sequencing. However, please follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor regarding sample collection (e.g., sterile containers for urine/fluid samples).
2. How is this different from a standard bacterial culture?
A standard culture attempts to grow bacteria on a plate. Many bacteria are difficult or impossible to grow in a lab. 16S sequencing detects bacterial DNA directly from the sample, identifying both culturable and “unculturable” bacteria, providing a complete picture of the infection .
3. What kind of samples can be sent for testing?
We accept a wide variety of samples, including extracted DNA, body fluids (CSF, synovial fluid, pleural fluid), pus, tissues, stool, and swabs from infection sites. Please contact us to confirm sample suitability.
4. How accurate is 16S rRNA sequencing?
The test is highly accurate for bacterial identification. When performed in an [ISO 9001:2015 certified [PDF]] laboratory with proper bioinformatics analysis, it can identify bacteria with a high degree of precision, often resolving cases where cultures are negative.
5. How do I book a 16S rRNA sequencing test?
You can book directly on this page by clicking the “Book Now” button, or by calling our 24/7 customer support number. We will coordinate sample collection and answer any pre-test questions.
6. Will the report tell me which antibiotic to use?
16S rRNA sequencing identifies the bacteria. While it can sometimes predict certain resistances based on the species, it is not a substitute for formal antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). For antibiotic choices, this test is often used in conjunction with clinical assessment and other lab findings.
7. Is my sample and data kept private?
Yes, 100%. DNA Labs India adheres to strict confidentiality protocols. Your genetic data and personal information are securely stored and never shared without your explicit consent.
8. Can this test be used for research purposes?
Absolutely. 16S sequencing is a cornerstone of microbiome research. We offer specialized services for research cohorts, including detailed bioinformatics analysis of microbial communities . Please contact our research support team for customized project quotes.
9. How long are the results valid?
The result is a snapshot of the bacterial DNA present in the sample at the time of collection. For diagnostic purposes, it directly informs immediate clinical management. For research, the data is a permanent record of that sample’s composition.
10. What is the difference between 16S rRNA and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)?
16S sequencing targets a single gene to identify which bacteria are present. It is faster and more cost-effective for bacterial community analysis. Whole Genome Sequencing sequences all the DNA in a sample, providing deeper functional insights but at a higher cost and complexity.
Professional Medical Disclaimer: This test is for the identification of bacterial genetic material. Results must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of the patient’s clinical condition. DNA Labs India provides accurate diagnostic data, but treatment decisions are solely at the discretion of the treating physician.
Note: We offer free home sample collection for online bookings for 16S rRNA Sequencing and the test costs a special discounted price of 5000 INR across India. The cities where this service is available include Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Nagpur, Indore, Thane, Bhopal, Visakhapatnam, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Patna, Vadodara, Ghaziabad, Ludhiana, Agra, Nashik, Faridabad, Meerut, Rajkot, Kalyan-Dombivali, Vasai-Virar, Varanasi, Srinagar, Aurangabad, Dhanbad, Amritsar, Navi Mumbai, Prayagraj, Howrah, Ranchi, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Coimbatore, Vijayawada, Jodhpur, Madurai, Raipur, Kota, Guwahati, Chandigarh, Thiruvananthapuram, Solapur, Hubballi-Dharwad, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruppur, Moradabad, Mysore, Bareily, Gurgaon, Aligarh, Jalandhar, Bhubaneswar, Salem, Mira-Bhayandar, Warangal , Guntur , Bhiwandi, Saharanpur, Gorakhpur, Bikaner, Amravati, Noida, Jamshedpur, Bhilai, Cuttack, Firozabad, Kochi, Nellore , Bhavnagar, Dehradun, Durgapur, Asansol, Rourkela, Nanded, Kolhapur, Ajmer, Akola, Gulbarga, Jamnagar, Ujjain, Loni, Siliguri, Jhansi, Ulhasnagar, Jammu, Sangli-Miraj & Kupwad, Mangalore, Erode10, Belgaum, Ambattur, Tirunelveli, Malegaon, Gaya, Jalgaon, Udaipur, Maheshtala, Davanagere, Kozhikode, Kurnool, Rajpur Sonarpur, Rajahmundry , Bokaro, South Dumdum, Bellary, Patiala, Gopalpur, Agartala, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarnagar, Bhatpara, Panihati, Latur, Dhule, Tirupati , Rohtak, Korba, Bhilwara, Berhampur, Muzaffarpur, Ahmednagar, Mathura, Kollam, Avadi, Kadapa, Kamarhati, Sambalpur, Bilaspur, Shahjahanpur, Satara, Bijapur, Rampur, Shivamogga, Chandrapur, Junagadh, Thrissur, Alwar, Bardhaman, Kulti, Kakinada, Nizamabad, Parbhani, Tumkur, Khammam, Ozhukarai, Bihar Sharif, Panipat, Darbhanga, Bally, Aizawl, Dewas, Ichalkaranji, Karnal, Bathinda, Jalna, Eluru, Kirari Suleman Nagar, Barasat, Purnia, Satna, Mau, Sonipat, Farrukhabad, Sagar, Rourkela, Durg, Imphal, Ratlam, Hapur, Arrah, Karimnagar, Anantapur, Etawah, Ambernath, North Dumdum, Bharatpur, Begusarai, New Delhi, Gandhidham, Baranagar, Tiruvottiyur, Puducherry, Sikar, Thoothukudi, Rewa, Mirzapur, Raichur, Pali, Ramagundam , Haridwar, Vijayanagaram, Katihar, Nagarcoil, Sri Ganganagar, Karawal Nagar, Mango, Thanjavur, Bulandshahr, Uluberia, Murwara, Sambhal, Singrauli, Nadiad, Secunderabad, Naihati, Yamunanagar, Bidhan Nagar, Pallavaram, Bidar, Munger, Panchkula, Burhanpur, Raurkela Industrial Township, Kharagpur, Dindigul, Gandhinagar, Hospet, Nangloi Jat, Malda, Ongole, Deoghar, Chapra, Haldia, Khandwa, Nandyal, Chittoor , Morena, Amroha, Anand, Bhind, Bhalswa Jahangir Pur, Madhyamgram, Bhiwani, Navi Mumbai Panvel Raigad, Baharampur, Ambala, Morvi, Fatehpur, Rae Bareli, Khora, Bhusawal, Orai, Bahraich, Vellore, Mahesana, Sambalpur, Raiganj, Sirsa, Danapur, Serampore, Sultan Pur Majra, Guna, Jaunpur, Panvel, Shivpuri, Surendranagar Dudhrej, Unnao, Hugli and Chinsurah, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Machilipatnam, Shimla, Adoni, Tenali, Proddatur, Saharsa, Hindupur, Sasaram, Hajipur, Bhimavaram, Dehri, Madanapalle, Siwan, Bettiah, Guntakal, Srikakulam, Motihari, Dharmavaram, Gudivada, Narasaraopet, Bagaha, Miryalaguda, Tadipatri, Kishanganj, Karaikudi, Suryapet, Jamalpur, Kavali, Tadepalligudem, Amaravati, Buxar, Jehanabad, Aurangabad.

