Our Science

BCAL Diagnostics Limited is an Australian biotechnology company dedicated to advancing early, non-invasive breast cancer diagnosis. For over a decade, we have been developing diagnostic technologies designed to complement mammograms and improve screening outcomes for women worldwide.

Our NATA-accredited commercial laboratory, equipped with advanced Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) technology, is at the core of our scientific innovation and clinical service delivery – supporting both ongoing research and the commercial rollout of our diagnostic test.

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, BCAL Diagnostics Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: BDX).

A senior woman in a pink shirt gestures while discussing her health concerns with a healthcare professional during a consultation in a well-lit office setting.

Lipids in Breast Cancer

Lipids are a diverse group of naturally occurring fatty molecules that play essential roles in the body’s structure, energy storage, and cell signaling. Unlike proteins or carbohydrates, lipids are hydrophobic, meaning they do not mix well with water. This unique property makes them critical components of cell membranes, where they help regulate communication between cells and maintain structural integrity.

Beyond their basic biological functions, lipids serve as key biomarkers for disease. Changes in lipid composition and metabolism are associated with various conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. In breast cancer, tumor cells often alter their lipid profiles to support rapid growth, evade the immune system, and resist treatment. BCAL has harnessed these changes in lipid profiles and developed assays to detect the presence/absence of breast cancer.

Laboratory technician in gloves handling a blood sample in a test tube, with additional test tubes in a rack, highlighting clinical testing and analysis procedures.

Close-up view of a collection of colorful laboratory test tubes arranged in a rack, showcasing various cap colors used for different blood sample types in medical testing.

BCAL Diagnostics Breast Cancer Assay Technology

BCAL Diagnostics has developed a blood test for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. The assay measures a panel of 7-lipids in blood plasma using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These lipid measurements are converted to a test score using a proprietary diagnostic algorithm

A lab technician studies a sample underneath a microscope

Cutting-Edge Laboratory Facilities

Sydney, Australia: Our NATA accredited commercial clinical laboratory, equipped with advanced Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) technology, is at the core of our scientific innovation and clinical service delivery—supporting both ongoing research and the commercial rollout of BCAL’s diagnostic blood test.

North Carolina, USA: In September 2024, we expanded to the United States with a dedicated research and development site to accelerate product validation and enhance global accessibility.

Publications and Conferences

Peer-reviewed Publication (Discovery)

Discovery of Plasma Lipids as Potential Biomarkers Distinguishing Breast Cancer Patients from Healthy Controls describes the methodology and results from early discovery work that forms the basis of the technology that underpins BCAL Diagnostics Research.

The online publication can be found at: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/21/11559

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