IHC Marker-AFP Test
About IHC Marker-AFP Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | AFP IHC, Alpha-Fetoprotein Immunohistochemistry, AFP Immunostain, IHC-AFP |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of all ages |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-AFP Test?
The IHC marker-AFP test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a specific protein, within a tissue sample. AFP is a protein normally produced by the foetal liver but is largely absent in healthy adult tissues. Doctors order this test when a biopsy has been performed and they need to understand whether AFP is being expressed by the tissue. It is also known as AFP IHC or Alpha-Fetoprotein Immunohistochemistry.
What Does an IHC Marker-AFP Test Measure?
This test uses a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), which applies specially designed antibodies to thin tissue slices to reveal the presence of a target protein. The following table explains what the test analyses.
| Component | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| AFP protein expression | Whether AFP is present in the tissue cells |
| Cellular staining pattern | Cytoplasmic (within-cell) staining indicates AFP production |
| AFP localisation | Which specific cells within the tissue are producing AFP |
Why is an IHC Marker-AFP Test Done?
A doctor typically requests this test after a biopsy has been obtained to help identify the nature of an abnormal growth or tumour.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A biopsy leading to IHC Marker-AFP testing is often prompted by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained abdominal mass or lump
- Enlarged liver detected on examination or imaging
- Testicular swelling or a palpable mass in the testis
- Unexplained weight loss
- A pelvic mass found during investigation
- Elevated serum AFP levels on a blood test
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The AFP IHC test can help identify the following conditions:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer
- Yolk sac tumours (also called endodermal sinus tumours), which almost always stain positive for AFP
- Hepatoblastoma, a liver tumour that occurs mainly in children
- Nonseminomatous germ cell tumours of the ovary and testis, including embryonal carcinoma
- Tumours with hepatoid differentiation, meaning tumours in organs such as the stomach, lung, or colon that resemble liver cells in their behaviour
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on a tissue sample already collected through biopsy, there is very little preparation needed from the patient's side.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The IHC marker-AFP test procedure is carried out entirely in the laboratory on a tissue block; it does not involve a fresh blood or urine collection on the day of testing.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are some practical steps to follow before your biopsy or before submitting your tissue sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently taking
- Tell your doctor about any known allergies, particularly to local anaesthetics, before the biopsy procedure
- Ensure that the biopsy block is properly preserved, labelled, and submitted to the laboratory without delay
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker-AFP test procedure takes place entirely within the laboratory after the tissue sample has been collected. Here is how the process works:
- A doctor collects a small piece of tissue through a biopsy. The tissue is then preserved in formalin to maintain its cellular structure.
- Laboratory staff embed the preserved tissue in paraffin wax to create a firm block, making it easier to cut into very thin slices.
- Extremely thin sections (approximately 4 to 5 microns) are cut from the block and placed on glass slides.
- Antigen retrieval is performed using heat or enzymes. This step exposes the AFP protein sites that formalin may have covered during preservation.
- A primary anti-AFP antibody is applied to the tissue sections. It binds to any AFP protein present in the cells.
- Secondary antibodies linked to detection enzymes are then applied. These amplify the signal and create visible staining, which a pathologist examines under a microscope to interpret the result.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of the test result:
- Duration of tissue fixation in formalin – too short or too long can affect protein detection
- Quality of tissue preservation immediately after the biopsy
- Delays between biopsy collection and fixation, which may alter protein structure
- Prior treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, which can change how proteins are expressed in tissue
- Laboratory technical factors, including antibody quality and equipment calibration
Understanding Your IHC Marker- AFP Test Results
Results from this test are reported as positive or negative based on whether AFP protein is detected in the tissue. A qualified pathologist interprets the staining pattern. The table below outlines general interpretations.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative (no staining) | AFP is absent; normal adult tissues do not express AFP |
| Positive (cytoplasmic staining) | AFP is present in the tissue; may suggest hepatocellular carcinoma, yolk sac tumour, hepatoblastoma, or hepatoid differentiation in other organs |
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.
A positive result does not always confirm cancer. Conditions such as liver cirrhosis may also influence AFP expression. The AFP IHC result is always used alongside clinical findings and other investigations, not in isolation.
Results During Special Conditions
In individuals with underlying liver disease such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, AFP expression may be elevated in tissue, which requires careful interpretation. In pregnant individuals, AFP is naturally produced in higher quantities by the foetal liver; if a biopsy is performed during pregnancy, the pathologist must account for this when interpreting the result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is not a routine monitoring test, supporting liver health in general is beneficial. Here are a few general wellness tips:
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support liver function
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which places stress on the liver over time
- Attend regular health check-ups if you have known risk factors for liver disease, such as chronic hepatitis infection
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-AFP Test Price
The IHC Marker-AFP test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a tissue biopsy sample and must be submitted at a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Here is how to book the IHC Marker-AFP test online with Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit your tissue sample or biopsy block.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test is used to detect the AFP protein in tissue samples obtained through biopsy. It helps doctors identify and characterise certain tumours, including liver cancer, yolk sac tumours, and hepatoblastoma. The result guides diagnosis and further management.
The tissue sample is collected through a biopsy procedure performed by a doctor. The method used depends on the location of the tissue being sampled. The collected tissue is then preserved and sent to the laboratory for processing and staining.
The IHC staining process itself is performed entirely in the laboratory on preserved tissue, so there is no discomfort during the test. Any discomfort is associated with the biopsy procedure, which is typically performed under local anaesthesia. Mild soreness or minor bleeding at the biopsy site may occur temporarily.
A positive result means that AFP protein was detected in the tissue sample. This may point to conditions such as hepatocellular carcinoma, yolk sac tumour, or hepatoblastoma. Your doctor will interpret this result alongside your clinical history and other investigations before arriving at a diagnosis.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report for the IHC Marker-AFP test is delivered within 7 days from the time the sample is received. Processing involves multiple laboratory steps, which is why the turnaround time is longer than routine blood tests.
No, IHC marker- AFP test home collection is not available. The test requires a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block, which must be obtained through a biopsy at a healthcare facility and then submitted directly to a Lupin Diagnostics centre.
Yes. Clinical history is required when submitting the tissue sample for this test. This includes details such as your symptoms, relevant previous test results, imaging findings, and family history. Providing accurate clinical information helps the pathologist interpret the result correctly.
IHC Marker-AFP Test
