Evolving Lung Nodule Risk Assessment
for Lung Cancer

Advancing precision in lung cancer risk 
assessment. Percepta Nasal Swab uses a simple, non-invasive, nasal brush and is more convenient than a blood draw.

  • Risk Assessment
  • Diagnosis
  • Recurrence Monitoring

Percepta Nasal Swab test

What is the Percepta Nasal Swab test?

A non-invasive genomic test 
for lung nodule assessment in patients with a smoking history

Percepta Nasal Swab is a cutting-edge, evidence-based test designed for patients with lung nodules and a history of smoking. Developed using whole-transcriptome sequencing and advanced machine learning, it leverages “field of injury” science to detect genomic changes linked to lung cancer in nasal epithelial cells.

Clinical validation data: 
evidence-based genomic assessment of lung nodules

The Percepta® Nasal Swab test’s clinical validation study, published in the journal CHEST, demonstrates significant advances in objective lung nodule risk assessment. This peer-reviewed research validates the test’s capability to support clinical decision-making for patients with lung nodules identified through CT screening.

Physicians need an objective, accurate tool to help guide care for patients when a lung nodule is found on a CT scan. Our findings demonstrate the Percepta Nasal Swab test's ability to enhance lung nodule risk assessment, potentially reducing unnecessary diagnostic procedures for low-risk patients while supporting timely intervention for those at high risk.”

Bill Bulman, M.D. headshot

Bill Bulman, M.D.

Medical Director for Pulmonology at Veracyte and study author

Key Clinical Evidence

Consistent performance across nodule sizes and patient populations1

Low-Risk Patients

Negative predictive value (NPV) of 98%

In a population with a 25% cancer prevalence, Percepta Nasal Swab has a 97% sensitivity in identifying low-risk patients. This can help physicians and patients avoid unnecessary procedures.

High-Risk Nodules

Positive predictive value (PPV) of 70%

In a population with a cancer prevalence of 70%, Percepta Nasal Swab has a 92% specificity in identifying high-risk patients. This can help direct physicians to explore further procedures to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

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Why are lung nodule evaluations important?

Lung nodules are an early indicator of lung cancer and are typically found using computed tomography (CT) scans.

1.6M

The number of lung nodules detected annually in the U.S.2

44%

The percentage of low-risk patients who undergo unnecessary invasive procedures3

50%

The percentage of lung cancer patients experience delayed diagnosis due to multiple biopsies4

Better Decisions Through Innovation

Why Veracyte is advancing lung nodule risk assessment

We aim to provide clinicians with a simple, non-invasive genomic test that transforms pulmonary nodule evaluation, so they can provide better care for their “at-risk” patients by helping to:

Percepta Nasal Swab Test

From collection to results

1

Step 1: Sample collection

  • Simple, in-office nasal brushing
  • Non-invasive sample collection

2

Step 2: Advanced analysis

  • Whole-transcriptome sequencing
  • Machine learning classification
  • Novel genomic classifier

3

Step 3: Test results & risk classification

  • Actionable results and evidence-based guidance
  • Clear results for risk stratification

*Risk Stratification

low risk iconLow risk:
Monitor with low dose CT
moderate risk iconModerate risk:
Consider non-surgical tissue sampling inclusive of bronchoscopy
high risk iconHigh risk:
Consider direct surgery and/or treatment

Next Step

Paving the way for Percepta

The next critical step for Percepta Nasal Swab is finalizing our clinical utility study, NIGHTINGALE, which will support reimbursement.

Keep exploring our clinical and educational resources.

REFERENCES

  1. Lamb CR, Rieger-Christ KM, Reddy C, et al. A nasal swab classifier to evaluate the probability of lung cancer in patients with pulmonary nodules. Chest. 2024;165(4):1009-1019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2023.11.036

  2. Gould MK, et al. Recent trends in the identification of incidental pulmonary nodules. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2015;192(10):1208-1214. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201505-0990OC

  3. Tanner NT, et al. Management of pulmonary nodules by community pulmonologists: a multicenter observational study. Chest. 2015;148(6):1405-1414. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.15-0630

  4. Zhang Y, et al. Biopsy frequency and complications among lung cancer patients in the United States. Lung Cancer Manag. 2020;9(4):LMT40. https://doi.org/10.2217/lmt-2020-0022

  5. Silvestri GA, et al. A bronchial genomic classifier for the diagnostic evaluation of lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(3):243-251. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1504601

  6. Spira A, et al. Airway epithelial gene expression in the diagnostic evaluation of smokers with suspect lung cancer. Nat Med. 2007;13(3):361-366. https://doi.org/10.1038/nm1556

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