Galleri Test Chicago: Multi-Cancer Blood Testing
Medically reviewed by Anand Thakkar, MD · Updated October 2026 · FDA status checked October 13, 2026
What Is the Galleri Test?
Galleri is a blood test made by GRAIL. It looks for DNA fragments that tumors shed into the bloodstream. It reads patterns of chemical tags on that DNA, called methylation, to look for a “cancer signal.” If a signal is found, it also predicts where in the body the signal most likely came from. Because one test checks for a signal shared by many cancer types, it can flag some cancers that have no routine screening test today. For a Galleri test Chicago patients can trust, Bliss MD keeps it simple: Dr. Anand Thakkar, MD, orders Galleri as an optional extra layer of screening, explains the results, and coordinates any follow-up testing.
Galleri's FDA Status (as of October 2026)
- Galleri is not FDA-approved. It is currently offered in the U.S. as a prescription laboratory-developed test.
- GRAIL submitted a premarket approval application to the FDA on January 29, 2026.
- On September 23, 2026, an FDA advisory panel voted that Galleri’s benefits outweigh its risks for adults 50 and older (7–2, with 1 abstention). The panel was unanimous on safety and voted 6–4 on effectiveness.
- The panel’s vote is advisory. The FDA has not made a final decision, and no decision date has been announced.
We update this section when the FDA acts.
Galleri Complements Standard Screening. It Does Not Replace It.
This is the most important thing to know:
- Keep getting your mammograms, colonoscopy or stool tests, cervical screening, lung CT (if eligible) and PSA discussions as recommended.
- A “No Cancer Signal Detected” result does not rule out cancer. Galleri misses many cancers, especially early-stage ones.
- A “Cancer Signal Detected” result is not a diagnosis. It means further testing, such as imaging, is needed to look for cancer. Some positive results turn out to be false alarms.
- Research has not yet shown that Galleri reduces deaths from cancer. In the large NHS-Galleri trial in England, the test did not meet its main goal of reducing late-stage diagnoses.
Who May Consider Galleri
Galleri is generally intended for adults 50 and older, or younger adults with elevated risk, such as:
- A strong family history of cancer
- A history of heavy smoking
- Prior cancer, as part of a broader survivorship plan
It is not meant for people who have symptoms of cancer. If you have symptoms, you need a diagnostic workup, not a screening test. Per GRAIL, Galleri is also not recommended for people who are pregnant, are 21 or younger, or are in active cancer treatment.
How Galleri Testing Works at Bliss MD
Getting a Galleri test Chicago patients can access at either of our clinics takes five steps:
- Consultation. Dr. Thakkar reviews your history and screening status, and whether Galleri makes sense for you. He’ll also make sure your standard screenings are current.
- Blood draw. A standard blood draw at either of our clinics.
- Results. These usually come back about two weeks after your sample reaches GRAIL’s lab. Dr. Thakkar reviews them with you.
- If a signal is found. We order follow-up testing guided by the predicted signal origin, which may include imaging, and we coordinate with the appropriate specialist.
- If no signal is found. You continue routine screening. Whether and when to repeat Galleri is a personal decision we make together.
How to Think About the Trade-offs
| Possible upsides | Limits to understand |
|---|---|
| Checks for a signal across many cancer types in one draw | Misses many cancers, especially at early stages |
| Can flag some cancers that lack routine screening tests | False positives can lead to extra tests and worry |
| Predicts the likely origin to guide follow-up | Not FDA-approved; benefit on survival not yet shown |
| A single blood draw | Usually not covered by insurance today |
Where Galleri Fits in a Prevention Plan
Galleri fits best as one part of a broader plan. That plan includes guideline screenings, a family-history review, metabolic health, and lowering chemical exposures. See our cancer prevention and early screening program. If you’re a survivor or in treatment, see our supportive integrative cancer therapy care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galleri test FDA-approved?
Not yet. As of October 2026, Galleri is a prescription laboratory-developed test. An FDA advisory panel voted in favor of approval on September 23, 2026, but the FDA’s final decision is still pending.
Can Galleri replace my mammogram or colonoscopy?
No. Galleri is meant to be added to recommended screenings, not to replace any of them.
What if my result says "Cancer Signal Detected"?
It isn’t a diagnosis. Dr. Thakkar will explain the predicted signal origin and order follow-up testing, often imaging, to look for cancer and confirm or rule it out.
If my result is negative, am I cancer-free?
Not necessarily. A negative result lowers the chance that a detectable cancer signal is present, but it doesn’t rule out cancer. Keep up with routine screening.
How long do results take?
Usually about two weeks after your sample arrives at GRAIL’s lab.
Do I need a doctor's order?
Yes. Galleri requires a prescription. Dr. Thakkar orders it after a consultation to make sure it’s appropriate for you.
Visit Bliss MD
Galleri test Chicago appointments are available at both clinics.
Bliss MD – Lincoln Park
2707 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (630) 289-0440
Bliss MD – Hanover Park (near Schaumburg)
1802 Irving Park Rd, Hanover Park, IL 60133
Phone: (630) 289-0440
Book a Consultation · Free 15-minute discovery call: (630) 289-0440
Sources and Disclaimer
- U.S. FDA. Executive Summary: GRAIL Inc., Galleri (Molecular and Clinical Genetics Panel, 2026). https://www.fda.gov/media/194909/download
- GRAIL. FDA Advisory Committee Votes in Favor of Approval of Galleri (Sept. 23, 2026). https://grail.com/press-releases/fda-advisory-committee-votes-in-favor-of-approval-of-grails-galleri-multi-cancer-early-detection-test/
- GRAIL. Galleri test information for patients. https://www.galleri.com/patient/the-galleri-test
- National Cancer Institute. Cancer Screening Research (including multi-cancer detection tests). https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/screening/research
This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Galleri is not FDA-approved. It does not detect all cancers and should be used in addition to routine, guideline-recommended screening.
