IHC Marker - BCL 6 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - BCL 6 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BCL-6 Immunostain, B-Cell Lymphoma 6 IHC, BCL6 IHC Marker, BCL-6 Protein Expression Test |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily patients with suspected lymphoma or B-cell malignancies |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - BCL 6 Test?
The IHC Marker - BCL 6 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the BCL-6 protein in tissue samples using immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC is a method that uses targeted antibodies to identify specific proteins within tissue sections.
Doctors order this test to help classify lymphomas and determine the origin of abnormal cells. It is also known as the BCL-6 Immunostain or BCL6 IHC Marker.
What Does an IHC Marker - BCL 6 Test Measure?
This test identifies the presence and extent of BCL-6 protein expression in tissue. BCL-6 is a transcription factor, meaning it is a protein that helps control the activity of other genes.
It is normally found in germinal centre B cells, which are immune cells in lymph nodes. The table below summarises what the test assesses.
| Parameter | What it Indicates |
|---|---|
| BCL-6 nuclear expression | Whether the BCL-6 protein is present in cell nuclei, pointing to germinal centre origin |
| Percentage of positive cells | A threshold of 30% or more positive cells classifies the result as BCL-6 positive |
| Staining intensity | Helps pathologists grade the strength of protein expression (weak, moderate, or strong) |
Why is an IHC Marker - BCL 6 Test Done?
A doctor may order this test as part of a workup to investigate abnormal lymph nodes or other tissue changes. It is used alongside other markers to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a tissue biopsy and subsequent BCL 6 test procedure:
- Enlarged lymph nodes felt as lumps in the neck, underarm, or groin
- Unexplained weight loss over a short period
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Fever and chills with no identified infection
- Drenching night sweats
- Swollen abdomen
- Shortness of breath
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A pathologist uses BCL-6 staining results to help identify or classify the following conditions:
- Follicular lymphoma
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), including germinal centre and non-germinal centre subtypes
- Burkitt lymphoma
- Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
- Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (a subset of CD30-positive cases)
- Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and related T follicular helper cell lymphomas
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on a tissue sample rather than blood or urine, the preparation is different from routine diagnostic tests. The steps below explain what is typically involved.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the BCL 6 test. Since the test is performed on a tissue block collected through a biopsy procedure, food and drink intake do not affect the results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your biopsy appointment and sample submission:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Carry any earlier biopsy reports or imaging results, such as ultrasound or CT scan reports, to your appointment.
- Inform your doctor about any blood-thinning medications you are taking, as these may need to be paused before the biopsy.
- You do not visit the laboratory directly for this test; the FFPE tissue block is submitted by your treating doctor or hospital.
Step-by-Step BCL 6 Test Procedure
The following steps describe how the sample is collected and processed:
- A doctor performs a biopsy to obtain a small piece of tissue from an affected lymph node, bone marrow, or another relevant site, using a surgical or needle-based approach.
- The collected tissue is placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin to preserve its structure, a process called fixation.
- The fixed tissue is embedded in paraffin wax to create an FFPE tissue block, which is then sent to the laboratory.
- Thin sections are cut from the paraffin block at 4 to 5 microns and placed on glass slides.
- Specific antibodies targeting the BCL-6 protein are applied to the tissue sections. A coloured staining dye (chromogen) is added to make the protein visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides and reports on the presence, pattern, and intensity of BCL-6 staining.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the quality and reliability of IHC staining results:
- Inadequate or delayed fixation of the tissue sample before processing
- Use of fixatives other than standard 10% formalin
- Age of the cut paraffin sections, as older sections may show reduced staining intensity
- Antibody quality and the specific protocols used during laboratory processing
- The pathologist's experience in interpreting IHC patterns
Understanding Your IHC Marker - BCL 6 Test Results
BCL-6 IHC results are not reported as a simple normal or abnormal number. Instead, a pathologist reports the staining pattern, intensity, and percentage of positive cells, and interprets these findings in the context of the full clinical picture.
| Parameter | Result Type | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| BCL-6 nuclear expression | Positive | Suggests germinal centre B-cell origin; seen in follicular lymphoma, DLBCL (GCB type), Burkitt lymphoma |
| BCL-6 nuclear expression | Negative | May suggest mantle cell lymphoma, MALT lymphoma, classic Hodgkin lymphoma, or non-germinal centre origin |
| Cutoff (Hans Algorithm) | 30% or more positive cells | Classified as BCL-6 positive for subtyping purposes |
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.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because BCL-6 is a cancer classification marker rather than a routine wellness measurement, there are no dietary or lifestyle changes that directly alter BCL-6 expression. The following general tips are relevant for anyone with a family history of blood cancers or persistent lymphoma-related symptoms:
- Attend regular health check-ups and report persistent or unexplained symptoms to your doctor without delay.
- Inform your doctor promptly if you notice swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats lasting more than a few weeks.
- Follow your doctor's guidance regarding any further specialist referrals or additional tests.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - BCL 6 Test Price
The BCL 6 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or sample submission through your treating hospital; 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
The following steps explain how to arrange the BCL 6 test online booking:
- Select the IHC Marker - BCL 6 Test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time, or have your treating doctor submit the FFPE tissue block directly to the laboratory.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BCL 6 test identifies the presence of BCL-6 protein in tissue samples. Pathologists use it to classify lymphomas and determine whether abnormal cells originate from germinal centre B cells. It is typically ordered as part of a panel of IHC markers when lymphoma is suspected.
A doctor obtains a tissue sample through a biopsy of an affected lymph node, bone marrow, or other relevant site. The tissue is then fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin to create an FFPE block, which is the specimen required for the BCL 6 test procedure.
No, a BCL 6 test home collection is not available. A tissue biopsy must be obtained through a medical procedure at a hospital or clinic. The FFPE block is then submitted to the laboratory for processing.
At Lupin Diagnostics, reports are typically delivered within 3 days of the laboratory receiving the specimen. Turnaround time can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional markers are tested alongside BCL-6.
A positive result means BCL-6 protein is expressed in the tissue, suggesting the cells may have a germinal centre B-cell origin. This finding helps narrow down the lymphoma subtype. However, positivity alone does not confirm a diagnosis; it must be read alongside other IHC markers and clinical findings by a pathologist.
When doctors test for BCL-6, they usually check for two other markers at the same time: CD10 and MUM-1. Together, these three markers help doctors figure out the exact subtype of a specific blood cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Other markers such as BCL-2, Ki-67, and CD20 may also be included depending on the clinical situation.
Not necessarily. BCL-6 is normally present in germinal centre B cells in healthy lymphoid tissue. A positive result must always be interpreted by a qualified pathologist in the context of clinical history, tissue morphology, and the full panel of IHC markers before any conclusion can be drawn.
IHC Marker - BCL 6 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
