IHC Marker-BCL-2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-BCL-2 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BCL-2 IHC, BCL2 Immunostain, BCL-2 Oncoprotein IHC, B-cell Lymphoma 2 IHC, BCL-2 by Immunohistochemistry |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of any age when lymphoma, leukaemia, or certain solid tumours are suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-BCL-2 Test?
The IHC Marker-BCL-2 test is a specialised laboratory examination that detects the presence and expression of the BCL-2 protein in tissue samples. BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) is a protein that controls apoptosis, which is the natural process by which the body eliminates damaged or abnormal cells. The test is performed on a tissue block obtained during a biopsy or surgical procedure and is also known as BCL-2 IHC or BCL-2 Oncoprotein IHC. Doctors order it when a blood cancer or certain solid tumours are suspected.
What Does an IHC Marker-BCL-2 Test Measure?
The IHC Marker-BCL-2 test procedure uses specific antibodies to identify BCL-2 protein expression in tissue sections. A pathologist then examines the stained slides under a microscope. The key aspects evaluated are listed below:
| Component | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| BCL-2 protein expression | Whether cells are producing the BCL-2 oncoprotein in abnormal amounts |
| Staining pattern | Location of staining (cytoplasmic, perinuclear) and which cell types are positive |
| Scoring (0 to 3+) | Proportion of positive tumour cells: 0 = none; 1+ = up to 30%; 2+ = 31 to 70%; 3+ = 71 to 100% |
| Germinal centre positivity | Strong staining in germinal centre B-cells, which points towards follicular lymphoma |
Why is an IHC Marker-BCL-2 Test Done?
Doctors request the BCL-2 immunostain when they need to classify a lymphoid lesion or assess whether a tumour is expressing this oncoprotein. The test helps narrow down a diagnosis and guides further management.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- Persistently enlarged lymph nodes that do not resolve
- Unexplained fatigue lasting several weeks
- Drenching night sweats without an obvious cause
- Unintentional weight loss
- Recurrent unexplained fevers
- A palpable tumour mass identified on examination or imaging
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
- Follicular lymphoma (where BCL-2 overexpression is a key diagnostic feature in most cases)
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
- Other B-cell and T-cell lymphomas
- Leukaemias with a lymphoid component
- Certain carcinomas, including breast, prostate, and lung
- Mesenchymal tumours such as synovial sarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumour, and solitary fibrous tumour
- Reactive follicular hyperplasia (to distinguish it from follicular lymphoma)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required from the patient for the BCL-2 IHC test itself. The key steps involve tissue collection and laboratory processing.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. The test is performed on a tissue sample, not a blood sample, so food and drink do not affect the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- 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 current medications, as some may need to be paused before the biopsy procedure.
- Follow your doctor's specific pre-biopsy instructions regarding food, drink, or medication on the day of the procedure.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing if a superficial biopsy site (such as a lymph node in the neck or armpit) is involved.
- Arrange for someone to accompany you if sedation or local anaesthesia is planned for the biopsy.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A doctor or surgeon collects a tissue sample from the affected area, commonly a lymph node, tumour mass, or surgical specimen.
- The tissue is immediately placed in formalin (a preservative solution) to fix and stabilise it, then embedded in paraffin wax to form a firm block.
- The FFPE tissue block is transported to the laboratory at ambient temperature (18 to 28°C) and protected from excessive heat.
- In the laboratory, thin sections (3 to 5 microns thick) are cut from the block and mounted on glass slides.
- Specific BCL-2 antibodies are applied to the sections using the immunohistochemistry method, causing BCL-2-expressing cells to stain a characteristic colour.
- A specialist pathologist examines the stained slides, scores the BCL-2 expression, and issues a detailed report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may affect the reliability of the BCL-2 IHC result:
- Inadequate tissue fixation or delayed formalin processing
- Age of the cut paraffin section (older sections may show reduced immunoreactivity)
- The specific antibody clone used in the test
- Poor tissue quality or very small biopsy samples
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can alter protein expression in cells
Understanding Your IHC Marker-BCL-2 Test Results
Results of the IHC Marker-BCL-2 test are interpreted by a trained pathologist alongside the clinical picture and other investigations. The table below gives an overview of common findings.
| Finding | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| BCL-2 negative in germinal centre B-cells | Normal reactive pattern; supports reactive follicular hyperplasia rather than lymphoma |
| BCL-2 positive in mantle zone B-cells and T-cells | Normal staining; seen in healthy lymphoid tissue |
| Strong BCL-2 positive in germinal centres | Associated with follicular lymphoma in the appropriate clinical context |
| BCL-2 negative in a suspected lymphoid tumour | May suggest Burkitt's lymphoma, nodular lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's disease, or a reactive process |
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
Certain circumstances can affect how BCL-2 staining appears in tissue: Some somatic mutations in the translocated BCL-2 gene can alter the antibody binding site, causing a false-negative result with standard antibody clones. In such cases, alternative clones may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy can also alter BCL-2 expression levels, and results in these patients should be interpreted with extra care by the treating team.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
BCL-2 is a cancer-related marker rather than a routine wellness measurement. The following general tips support overall health and early detection:
- Attend regular health check-ups and cancer screening appointments if you are at elevated risk, following your doctor's guidance.
- Report any persistent symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, or prolonged fatigue to your doctor promptly.
- Maintain a balanced diet, stay physically active, and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol, all of which support general immune health.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-BCL-2 Test Price
The IHC Marker-BCL-2 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for tissue-based tests of this type. The table below lists indicative prices across major cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for IHC Marker-BCL-2 test online booking 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 for sample submission or collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Marker-BCL-2 test is used to detect and measure BCL-2 protein expression in tissue samples. It is most commonly ordered to diagnose and classify lymphomas, particularly follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and to assess certain solid tumours. Results help guide further investigation and treatment decisions.
A doctor collects tissue during a biopsy or surgical procedure, most commonly from a lymph node or tumour mass. The tissue is then fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin wax, and processed in the laboratory. The patient is not involved in the laboratory steps after the initial biopsy.
The laboratory test itself involves no pain. The biopsy procedure used to collect the tissue may cause some discomfort depending on the site and the type of anaesthesia used. Your doctor will discuss pain management options with you before the procedure.
No, home collection is not available for the IHC Marker-BCL-2 test. The test requires specialised laboratory equipment, trained pathology staff, and specific staining techniques that can only be performed in a diagnostic centre or hospital setting.
Not necessarily. BCL-2 is normally present in several types of non-cancerous B-cells and T-cells. A positive result means BCL-2 protein is expressed in the tissue examined, but the pathologist and treating doctor must interpret this finding together with the clinical history, symptoms, and other test results before reaching a diagnosis.
The IHC Marker-BCL-2 test price starts at approximately ₹1,920. The exact amount may vary depending on the city and diagnostic centre. It is advisable to confirm the current price when booking.
The report is typically ready within 3 days of the laboratory receiving the tissue block. Processing time may vary slightly depending on the complexity of the case and laboratory workload. Reports are generally shared digitally via email or WhatsApp.
IHC Marker-BCL-2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
