Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Blood Test

What is Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder where abnormal immune system cells called Langerhans cells accumulate in organs and tissues. It is caused by genetic mutations, particularly BRAF mutations, which occur in approximately 50-60% of LCH cases and trigger uncontrolled cell growth. The BRAF Mutation Analysis is the most important test for diagnosing LCH because it identifies the specific genetic abnormality driving the disease and helps guide targeted treatment decisions.

RECOMMENDED TEST BRAF Mutation Analysis
Google reviews 505 reviews
$1,599 $1,247
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No extra fees paid at the lab
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
Why Private MD Labs?
90-day money-back guarantee Lab order in minutes Save a trip to the doctor Low prices since 2005 Labs within 2 miles

What causes Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis is caused by genetic mutations that trigger abnormal growth and accumulation of Langerhans cells, which are specialized immune cells normally found in skin and other tissues. The BRAF V600E mutation is found in 50-60% of LCH cases and causes these cells to multiply uncontrollably and invade various organs including bones, skin, lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. Other genetic mutations in the MAP kinase pathway can also cause LCH, though BRAF is the most common driver of this rare disorder.

What is the best test for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?

The BRAF Mutation Analysis is the most important blood test for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis because it detects the specific genetic mutation driving the disease in over half of all cases. This test identifies the BRAF V600E mutation in your blood or tissue sample, which not only supports the diagnosis but also determines whether you may benefit from targeted therapies like BRAF inhibitors. While tissue biopsy remains the gold standard for confirming LCH by examining the abnormal cells directly, BRAF testing provides critical information about the genetic cause and helps your healthcare provider select the most effective treatment strategy for your specific type of LCH.

When should I get tested for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?

You should get tested if you experience unexplained bone pain or fractures, persistent skin rashes that do not respond to treatment, chronic ear infections with drainage, excessive thirst and urination suggesting diabetes insipidus, or enlarged lymph nodes along with other unexplained symptoms. Testing is especially important if imaging studies reveal unusual bone lesions or if your doctor suspects an abnormal accumulation of immune cells based on clinical findings. Early genetic testing with BRAF Mutation Analysis can help confirm the diagnosis quickly and guide your treatment plan before complications develop.

What are the symptoms of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?
Symptoms of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis vary widely depending on which organs are affected and can include bone pain, fractures, or skull lesions that cause bumps on the head. You might notice skin rashes that look like seborrheic dermatitis or eczema, especially on the scalp, ears, or torso. Other common symptoms include chronic ear infections with discharge, swollen lymph nodes, breathing problems if lungs are affected, protruding eyes, loose teeth, and excessive thirst with frequent urination if the pituitary gland is involved. Some people experience fatigue, fever, weight loss, or an enlarged liver and spleen.
Who is at risk for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis most commonly affects children between ages 1 and 15, with peak incidence between 1 and 3 years old, though adults can develop it at any age. Males are slightly more likely to develop LCH than females. The condition occurs in about 1 in 200,000 children annually, making it quite rare. While most cases appear randomly without family history, the genetic mutations that cause LCH are acquired rather than inherited, meaning the condition itself is not typically passed from parents to children. Smoking is a significant risk factor for adult pulmonary LCH, a specific form affecting the lungs.
What happens if Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis is left untreated?
Untreated Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis can lead to serious complications including permanent organ damage, disability, and in severe cases, life-threatening consequences. The abnormal cell accumulation can destroy bone tissue leading to fractures and deformities, cause permanent hearing loss from chronic ear involvement, or result in blindness if lesions affect the eye sockets. Lung involvement can progress to respiratory failure, while liver and spleen damage can cause organ dysfunction. Pituitary gland involvement may lead to permanent diabetes insipidus requiring lifelong treatment. In high-risk multisystem disease affecting vital organs, delayed treatment significantly increases mortality risk, making early diagnosis and intervention crucial for preventing irreversible complications.
Can Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis be diagnosed with a blood test?
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis cannot be definitively diagnosed with blood tests alone, as tissue biopsy showing characteristic CD1a-positive or CD207-positive Langerhans cells remains the diagnostic gold standard. However, BRAF Mutation Analysis blood testing plays a crucial supporting role by identifying the genetic mutation present in 50-60% of LCH cases, which confirms the diagnosis and guides treatment selection. Blood tests are also used to assess organ function and detect complications like anemia, liver problems, or hormonal imbalances from pituitary involvement. The combination of tissue biopsy, genetic testing, imaging studies, and blood work provides the most complete picture for accurate LCH diagnosis and staging.
How is Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis treated?
Treatment for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis depends on the extent and location of disease and ranges from watchful waiting for mild single-system cases to intensive chemotherapy for aggressive multisystem disease. Single bone lesions may resolve on their own or require only local treatment like curettage or low-dose radiation. Multisystem LCH typically requires chemotherapy with drugs like vinblastine and prednisone for 6-12 months. If BRAF mutation is detected, targeted therapy with BRAF inhibitors like vemurafenib or dabrafenib combined with MEK inhibitors offers highly effective treatment options. Other treatments include immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation for refractory cases, and supportive care for complications like hormone replacement for diabetes insipidus.
How can I prevent Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis cannot be prevented because it is caused by spontaneous genetic mutations that occur randomly and are not inherited or caused by lifestyle factors. The BRAF and other MAP kinase pathway mutations that trigger LCH develop after birth and are not present in parents or predictable before onset. For adults, avoiding smoking is important since tobacco use is strongly associated with pulmonary LCH, a specific form affecting the lungs. Since LCH is not contagious and does not run in families in most cases, there are no screening recommendations for family members. Early detection through awareness of symptoms remains the best approach for ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What can I do at home for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?
While medical treatment is essential for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, you can support your overall health at home by maintaining good nutrition with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support immune function. Stay well-hydrated, especially if you have diabetes insipidus, and keep careful track of fluid intake and output. Protect affected bones from injury by avoiding high-impact activities until cleared by your doctor. Manage skin lesions with gentle cleansing and moisturizing, avoiding harsh products. Get adequate rest and manage stress through relaxation techniques. If you smoke, quitting is crucial for pulmonary LCH. Keep all medical appointments, monitor for new symptoms, and maintain open communication with your healthcare team about any changes in your condition.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
Choose a checkup
Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
We don’t sell or share your data. Your time & privacy matter.
US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
Testosterone 375 ng/dL
Demo results
Normal Optimal 400 - 1000 High
375 ng/dL

What this means

Your testosterone levels are slightly below the optimal range. While this is not necessarily cause for concern, it may contribute to occasional fatigue, reduced motivation, or lower muscle mass over time.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.

Us vs. Them

Not overhyped or overpriced. Just comprehensive blood testing made simple and for everyone.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Google reviews 505 reviews Next
BRAF Mutation Analysis
Google reviews 505 reviews
$1,599 $1,247
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

Sample results

Sample image
For you & your coach Health insights Written in human language, backed by science.
Sample image
For you & your doc Classic lab report A familiar and comprehensive lab report.

Ask AI

Your 24/7 Lab Guide

Quick questions:

Which test is right for my symptoms?
What could be causing this?
When should I get tested?
A
Hi, I'm AI. I can help you find the right test, explain results, or prepare for your visit. What can I help with?
Just now
A
AI provides insights, not medical diagnoses.