IHC-Any Three Markers Test
About IHC-Any Three Markers Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IHC 3 Markers, Immunohistochemistry Panel (3 Markers), IHC 3 Antigens, Custom IHC Panel (3 Markers) |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; ordered when a doctor suspects cancer or needs to classify a tumour |
| Price | Starting at ₹5,500 |
What Is an IHC-Any Three Markers Test?
The IHC-Any Three Markers Test is a specialised laboratory test that uses antibodies to detect three specific proteins in a tissue sample. Also called an Immunohistochemistry Panel (3 Markers) or IHC 3 Antigens, it helps pathologists identify the type and origin of abnormal cells. The sample used is a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block, typically obtained through a biopsy procedure.
What Does an IHC-Any Three Markers Test Measure?
This test detects the presence and location of three selected protein markers within tissue cells. The specific markers chosen depend on what your doctor suspects clinically. Here are some commonly tested markers and what they reveal:
| Marker | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Oestrogen Receptor (ER) | Sensitivity to oestrogen; relevant in breast cancer |
| Progesterone Receptor (PR) | Sensitivity to progesterone; relevant in breast cancer |
| HER2 | Protein overexpression indicates eligibility for targeted therapy |
| Ki-67 | Rate at which cancer cells are multiplying (proliferation index) |
| TTF-1 / Napsin A | Markers associated with lung cancer origin |
| Cytokeratins | Help identify carcinomas (cancers arising from epithelial tissue) |
| CD15 / CD30 | Associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma |
The three markers selected for your test will be specified by your doctor based on your clinical situation.
Why Is an IHC-Any Three Markers Test Done?
This test provides diagnostic information that a standard biopsy alone cannot. It is ordered across a wide range of clinical scenarios involving suspicious tissue findings.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may lead a doctor to order this test:
- An unexplained lump or mass detected on examination or imaging
- Persistent, unexplained weight loss without a clear cause
- Prolonged fatigue that does not resolve with rest
- Abnormal or inconclusive findings from a routine biopsy
- Suspicious tissue identified on CT, MRI, PET scan, or X-ray
- Signs suggesting cancer has spread from an unknown primary site
- Return of a previously treated tumour
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
Doctors use the IHC-Any Three Markers test to investigate or confirm several conditions:
- Various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers
- Cancer of unknown primary origin (metastatic cancer with no identified source)
- Lymphomas, including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's types
- Sarcomas (cancers of soft tissue or bone)
- Autoimmune conditions and certain infectious diseases affecting tissues
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No major preparation is needed for this test. Here is what you should know before submitting your tissue sample.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the IHC-Any Three Markers Test. Continue taking all prescribed medications unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being well prepared helps ensure your sample is processed without delay. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry your doctor's referral letter, noting the biopsy site and reason for testing
- Bring any existing histopathology reports if you are submitting a previously prepared paraffin block
- Include relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans
- Ensure all biopsy blocks or slides are properly labelled before submission
- Inform your doctor about all current medications
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC-Any Three Markers Test procedure is performed entirely on tissue. Here is how the process works:
- Your doctor collects a tissue sample through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal. No separate sample collection is needed for the IHC analysis itself.
- The tissue is placed in a formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in a paraffin wax block to create the FFPE block.
- A precision instrument called a microtome cuts very thin slices from the tissue block, which are placed on glass slides.
- The slides are treated with selected antibodies that bind to specific proteins within the cells.
- A chemical reaction causes the bound antibodies to produce a visible colour where the target protein is present.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, recording the presence, location, and intensity of each marker.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several technical and biological factors can influence how reliable the results are:
- Inadequate fixation of the tissue sample before processing
- Poor antigen retrieval during the staining process
- Antibody specificity and the concentration used in the laboratory
- Tissue artefacts caused by improper handling or storage of paraffin blocks
- Variation in laboratory standardisation protocols between different facilities
- Observer differences when pathologists interpret borderline staining patterns
Understanding Your IHC-Any Three Markers Test Results
Your results will be reviewed by a pathologist and interpreted alongside your clinical history. The table below shows general result categories for commonly tested markers.
| Marker | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| HER2 | 0 | Negative |
| HER2 | 1+ | Qualifies the patient for specific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeted therapies if the cancer is advanced. |
| HER2 | 2+ | Borderline (further testing may be needed) |
| HER2 | 3+ | Positive |
| ER / PR | Less than 1% positive cells | Negative |
| ER / PR | 1% to 10% positive cells | Low Positive |
| ER / PR | Greater than 1% positive cells | Positive |
| Ki-67 | Low percentage (Typically < 10%–15%) | Slower-growing tumour |
| Ki-67 | High percentage (Typically >= 20%–30%) | More rapidly dividing cells |
| Other markers | Positive or Negative | It depends on specific marker selected |
Disclaimer: "These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice."
Results During Special Conditions
Laboratory technique can influence outcomes. Results may occasionally be false positive (detecting a protein that is not truly present) or false negative (missing a protein that is present), due to issues such as poor antigen retrieval or variation in antibody performance across laboratories. Weak staining signals may also arise from inadequate processing. If your results are borderline or unclear, your doctor may recommend additional molecular testing or a specialist review.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness habits worth keeping in mind after cancer-related testing:
- Attend all follow-up appointments recommended by your doctor and do not delay acting on results
- Report any new or returning lumps, swelling, or unexplained symptoms promptly
- Discuss your personal and family history of cancer with your doctor to understand whether regular screening is appropriate for you
Lupin Diagnostics IHC-Any Three Markers Test Price
The IHC-Any Three Markers Test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹5,500. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test. Prices may differ based on the specific markers selected and your location.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| CHENNAI | 5500 |
| HYDERABAD | 5500 |
| KOLKATA | 5500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 5500 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your IHC-Any Three Markers Test online or at a centre:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC-Any Three Markers Test uses antibodies to detect three specific proteins in a tissue sample. It helps doctors determine the type and origin of a tumour, confirm a cancer diagnosis, and identify targets for treatment. It is particularly useful when a routine biopsy does not provide a clear enough answer on its own.
The tissue sample is collected by your doctor through a biopsy, which may be a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal. The IHC analysis is then performed on that same tissue. No additional sample collection is required specifically for this test.
Results for the IHC-Any Three Markers Test are typically ready within 7 days. The exact turnaround depends on the specific markers selected and the complexity of the analysis required by the pathologist.
Yes. By detecting organ-specific protein markers in the tissue, the IHC 3 Markers test can help identify where a cancer originated, even when it has already spread to other parts of the body. This information is important for planning the right treatment.
Bring your doctor's referral letter, a detailed clinical history, any previous histopathology reports, and relevant imaging results such as CT scans or MRI reports. Clinical history is a required part of the IHC-Any Three Markers Test procedure, so ensure this documentation is complete and clearly labelled.
Some staining results may be borderline, particularly for markers such as HER2. In these cases, your doctor may recommend further molecular testing or a second specialist opinion to ensure an accurate diagnosis before any treatment decisions are made.
The IHC analysis carries no direct risk to you, as it is carried out entirely on tissue that has already been collected. Any discomfort or risk is associated with the original biopsy procedure used to obtain the sample, not with the IHC test itself.
IHC-Any Three Markers Test
