BreastImplant ASIA-BIAI

Immunogenetic profiling to assess susceptibility to immune-inflammatory manifestations associated with breast implants

The value of genetics in personalised surgical care
Advanced genetic testing to support specialist assessment.

SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS

Silicone breast implants (SBIs) are medical devices widely used in clinical practice for aesthetic breast augmentation or contouring and for reconstructive purposes, particularly following oncological surgery or corrective procedures.

Advances in materials, device design and surgical techniques have progressively consolidated their role in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Although breast implants are generally considered to have a favourable safety profile, some patients may experience local complications or, less frequently, systemic manifestations, even when surgery has been performed correctly and in accordance with appropriate technical standards.

More frequently reported

Pain, oedema, induration, seroma, capsular contracture and localised inflammatory reactions.

Less frequently reported

Granulomas, immune-mediated phenomena and systemic manifestations of greater clinical significance.

BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS AND THE ASIA FRAMEWORK

In recent literature and regulatory communications, the term Breast Implant Illness (BII) is commonly used to describe a heterogeneous group of non-specific symptoms reported by some patients with breast implants.

Frequently reported symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Myalgia
  • Arthralgia
  • Cognitive difficulties
  • Brain fog
  • Skin rashes
  • Other systemic complaints

Some scientific publications have also discussed these presentations within the proposed Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA), also known as Shoenfeld’s syndrome. However, the causal mechanisms and nosological criteria of these entities remain under investigation and have not been definitively established.

Current scientific context

Current hypotheses suggest that, in a subset of patients, symptom profiles described as BII or discussed within the ASIA framework may reflect an individual susceptibility influenced by interactions among genetic, immunological and environmental factors.

THE GENETIC TEST FOR ASSESSING SUSCEPTIBILITY TO BREAST IMPLANT-ASSOCIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS

BREASTIMPLANT ASIA-BIAI is a targeted genetic test designed to assess the presence of specific immunogenetic profiles that may be associated with increased individual susceptibility to symptoms or manifestations compatible with an immune-inflammatory response in people with silicone breast implants.

The test is intended to support the specialist in integrating immunogenetic information into pre-operative assessment, individual risk profiling and subsequent clinical follow-up.

Scientific basis

The rationale of the test reflects the possible contribution of genetic susceptibility to variation in the biological response to an implant in certain patient subgroups. It is based particularly on the central role of the HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) system in immune recognition, antigen presentation and regulation of the immune response. Certain HLA subtypes have been reported in association with manifestations described as Breast Implant Illness.

Specific allelic profiles may influence how the body responds to antigenic or antigen-like stimuli, potentially contributing to greater susceptibility to atypical, persistent or prolonged inflammatory responses. These associations are probabilistic and do not establish causation or predict an individual outcome.

CLINICAL VALUE FOR THE SPECIALIST

BREASTIMPLANT ASIA-BIAI is not a diagnostic test. It provides clinically relevant information intended to complement specialist assessment of individual biological susceptibility.

The test is particularly useful for:

  • Integrating immunogenetic information with medical history, clinical findings and the proposed surgical plan.
  • Supporting a more informed and appropriately qualified discussion of individual susceptibility.
  • Guiding the assessment of patients with allergies, immune disorders or suspected increased sensitivity.
  • Contextualizing reactions temporally associated with breast implants within the overall clinical picture.

Supporting personalised plastic and reconstructive surgery

Biological responses to implants can vary considerably between individuals. BREASTIMPLANT ASIA-BIAI offers an additional layer of information to support a more personalised, informed and clinically responsible approach to plastic and reconstructive surgery.

WHEN TESTING MAY BE CONSIDERED

Testing may be considered within specialist assessment for:

  • Individuals with a history of allergic conditions, immune disorders or suspected increased sensitivity.
  • Individuals who have experienced adverse events associated with breast implants or other prosthetic devices.
  • Individuals considering breast implant surgery for the first time who wish to assess their biological susceptibility.

The decision to perform the test should always be considered in the context of the individual’s personal medical history, overall clinical condition, reason for surgery and any concurrent conditions of immunological or inflammatory relevance.

ANALYTICAL WORKFLOW

  1. DNA extraction
    Genomic DNA (buccal mucosal cells or peripheral blood)
  2. PCR amplification of the regions containing the variants of interest
  3. Genotyping using advanced molecular technologies
  4. Bioinformatic analysis using dedicated pipelines and proprietary interpretive algorithms
  5. Personalised report focused on the genetic predisposition assessed

The genetic result should be integrated with medical history, clinical findings and the specialist’s judgement. It does not independently determine the indication for surgery or clinical management.

INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT

POSITIVE

Detection of the risk-associated HLA profile is consistent with increased susceptibility to medium- or long-term immune-mediated adverse reactions following breast implant surgery.

The result is an indicator of individual predisposition that may be relevant to pre-operative counselling and subsequent clinical follow-up. It is not a contraindication to treatment and does not predict with certainty that a complication will occur.

NEGATIVE

The risk-associated HLA profile was not detected. The test therefore provides no evidence of marker-associated increased susceptibility.

A negative result does not demonstrate a reduction in overall risk and does not exclude adverse events. Other contributing factors may include device characteristics, individual inflammatory responses, concurrent clinical conditions, immunological features not covered by the test, unanalysed genetic determinants and surgical or procedural variables.

IMPORTANT

BREASTIMPLANT ASIA-BIAI is non-diagnostic and must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of the complete clinical picture.

A SIMPLE FIVE-STEP PROCESS

  1. Request the kit
  2. Complete the documentation
  3. Collect the sample
  4. Send the sample to the laboratory
  5. Receive the report
Turnaround time~10 working days

Leading diagnostic laboratory and research center of excellence specializing in genetics and molecular diagnostics.

GENOMICA is a highly innovative company with extensive technical and scientific expertise, active in both clinical applications and research. Supported by a team with over 20 years of experience in molecular diagnostics, GENOMICA combines cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to innovation, delivering increasingly accurate and accessible diagnostic services.

Over 100.000 genetic tests/year

Laboratories with groundbreaking technologies and high quality standards

Dedicated R&D Team

International Partnerships

Personalized genetic counseling with genetic counselors experts in discussing genetic test results and familial risks

20+ years experience in prenatal molecular diagnostics

LABORATORIES

Rome: Via Arduino 38 - 00162 Tel.: 06.21115020

E-mail: info@genomicalab.it

REGISTERED OFFICE

Rome: Via Arduino 38 - 00162

PEC: info@pec.genomicalab.it

VAT No.: 14554101007 - REA: RM - 1530210

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BreastImplant ASIA-BIAI Brochure

Read the official brochure for the complete test information.

Download the brochure