Resources for Lab Professionals
CSF Liquid Biopsy
for CNS Malignancies
For primary and metastatic CNS disease
3 tests.
1 CSF sample.
No tissue required.
Meet Belay Diagnostics
We’re a Chicago-based reference laboratory specializing in CSF liquid biopsy for CNS malignancies. Our tests are built on more than 10 years of R&D at Johns Hopkins University and are clinically validated against tissue biopsy in peer-reviewed studies. Today, our tests are used at more than 160 institutions across the country, including the majority of NCCN-designated cancer centers.
When a brain biopsy is not feasible, surgically risky, or anatomically inaccessible, Belay gives clinicians genomic and molecular insights from a standard lumbar puncture. CSF liquid biopsy is now referenced in major clinical guidelines for several CNS malignancy types.
3 Tests. 1 CSF Sample.
Use the arrows to explore each test in our suite of CSF tests.
Belay Summit 2.0
Comprehensive genomic profiling of tumor-derived nucleic acid in CSF to help inform the diagnosis and management of primary and secondary CNS malignancies from a standard lumbar puncture.
Belay Ascent
Low-pass whole genome sequencing to detect chromosome arm-level losses and gains in CSF-derived nucleic acid to help inform the diagnosis and management of CNS malignancies. Can be ordered using the same patient specimen as Summit 2.0.
Belay Vantage
Quantitative PCR evaluation of MGMT promoter methylation status in CSF for individuals with known or suspected CNS tumors. Can be ordered using the same patient specimen as Summit 2.0.
Belay Summit 2.0
Comprehensive genomic profiling of tumor-derived nucleic acid in CSF to help inform the diagnosis and management of primary and secondary CNS malignancies from a standard lumbar puncture.
Belay Ascent
Low-pass whole genome sequencing to detect chromosome arm-level losses and gains in CSF-derived nucleic acid to help inform the diagnosis and management of CNS malignancies. Can be ordered using the same patient specimen as Summit 2.0.
Belay Vantage
Quantitative PCR evaluation of MGMT promoter methylation status in CSF for individuals with known or suspected CNS tumors. Can be ordered using the same patient specimen as Summit 2.0.
See the Evidence
Behind Our Tests
The tests your lab receives are backed by a growing body of peer-reviewed research.
Belay’s tests are supported by peer-reviewed research published in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, Cancers, Cancer Genetics, the Journal of Liquid Biopsy, and other leading journals.
Studies cover analytical validation, clinical sensitivity, and real-world utility across glioma, CNS lymphoma, leptomeningeal disease, brain metastases, and other CNS malignancies.
Expecting a Belay Test?
Here’s everything your lab needs to process a CSF liquid biopsy specimen from Belay Diagnostics.
Sample Requirements
- 6 mL minimum, adult patients
- 4 mL minimum, pediatric patients
- Use institution’s standard CSF tubes only. Not blood collection tubes.
- Label with collection date and two patient identifiers
Pack & Ship
- All materials included in the Belay kit, including detailed packing instructions
- Ship FedEx Priority Overnight, prepaid label included
- Friday or pre-holiday collection? Contact us first.
Storage & Timing
- Store at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen depending on ship date
- Download instructions for full temperature and timing details
Download Instructions
Step-by-step packing and shipping instructions are included in every kit and available for download below.
Questions about an incoming specimen?
Contact our lab support team at contact@belaydiagnostics.com or 331-320-0155
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re preparing your lab for an incoming order or want to learn more about our tests, our team is here to help.