Clonal Hematopoiesis (CHIP) Testing

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a condition in which a “clone” of blood-forming cells carries an acquired (somatic) genetic change. This change develops during life (it is not an inherited mutation) and becomes more common with age. Most people with CHIP have no immediate symptoms – at the same time, however, it may represent one of the most important risk markers that emerges during aging and can help estimate long-term health risks and guide appropriate monitoring.

The test is focused on detecting typical genetic alterations associated with CHIP in a peripheral blood sample using highly sensitive sequencing (NGS). The results also include an estimate of clone size (the proportion of cells carrying the alteration) and expert commentary on the potential clinical significance of the finding.

Why CHIP matters: connection with chronic inflammation

CHIP has been associated with chronic low-grade inflammation (“silent inflammation”). Some clonal white blood cells may produce increased pro-inflammatory signals and maintain a long-term inflammatory environment in the body. The reverse may also apply – chronic inflammation can promote clonal expansion. In practice, a cycle of CHIP ↔ inflammation may develop. This mechanism is one of the reasons why CHIP is often discussed in connection with increased cardiovascular risk.

Risk of cancer – especially blood cancers

CHIP is not a diagnosis of cancer, and a positive finding does not mean a person has leukemia. However, it is associated with a higher long-term risk of certain malignancies, particularly those arising from blood-forming tissues (hematologic cancers), especially myeloid disorders. The level of risk varies depending on the type of detected alteration, clone size, presence of multiple alterations, and the clinical context (e.g., changes in blood counts over time or prior cytotoxic therapy).

Who the test is suitable for

• individuals in middle and older age interested in their long-term health risk profile,
• in cases of repeated or unexplained abnormalities in blood counts (always as a complement to medical evaluation),
• after certain types of cancer treatment, where CHIP may be more common (interpretation must consider treatment context),
• as part of broader preventive care in individuals at increased risk of chronic inflammation or cardiovascular complications.

How the test works

The test is performed from an at-home finger-prick blood sample. In the laboratory, DNA is analyzed using highly sensitive sequencing targeted at the most common genetic alterations associated with CHIP. Emphasis is placed on analytical quality and sensitivity to detect even smaller clonal populations. Results are typically available within 20 working days from the delivery of the sample to the laboratory.

What you receive in the results

• information on whether alterations typical for CHIP were detected,
• an estimate of clone size (based on variant allele frequency in the sample),
• interpretation of the likely clinical significance and recommendations for next steps (monitoring over time, additional testing, or hematology consultation if appropriate).

Important limitations and interpretation

• CHIP is a risk marker, not a cancer diagnosis; in most individuals, hematologic disease never develops,
• a negative result does not exclude all causes of abnormal blood counts or other blood disorders,
• interpretation is crucial in the context of age, blood counts, medical history, and other risk factors.

Follow-up care

If the finding is more significant (e.g., larger clone size, multiple alterations, or detection in combination with blood count abnormalities), we will recommend appropriate next steps – typically monitoring blood counts over time and, depending on the situation, consultation with a hematologist and additional testing.