IHC Marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Ber-EP4, EpCAM IHC, Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule, CD326, Epithelial Specific Antigen (ESA), TACSTD1 |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block from biopsy or surgical specimen |
| Fasting Required | No — this is a tissue-based test, not a blood test |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily for patients with suspected skin cancer, lung tumours, or serous effusions requiring tumour classification |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM Test?
The IHC marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of the Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) protein in tissue samples. It uses a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), in which a specific antibody is applied to a tissue slice to detect the presence of certain proteins in cells.
Doctors prescribe this test when they need to determine the origin or type of a tumour. It is also known as the Ber-EP4 test, CD326, or TACSTD1 marker test.
What Does an IHC Marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM Test Measure?
This test analyses a tissue sample to detect the EpCAM protein on cell surfaces. The following explains what the test looks at and why it matters.
| Component | What it Detects | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| BerEp4 antibody binding | Presence of EpCAM protein on cell membranes | Identifies whether cells are of epithelial origin |
| Staining pattern | Distribution and intensity of colour change under the microscope | Helps pathologists distinguish between tumour types |
| Membrane staining | Colour along the outer edges of tumour cells | Indicates epithelial tumours such as adenocarcinoma or basal cell carcinoma |
EpCAM is expressed on most epithelial cells in the body, but not on squamous epithelium or mesothelial cells. This difference allows pathologists to classify tumours accurately.
Why is an IHC Marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM Test Done?
This test is ordered when a tissue biopsy or surgical specimen needs further classification. It helps pathologists identify the type and likely origin of tumour cells.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request the BerEp4/ EPCAM IHC marker test when a patient presents with one or more of the following:
- A suspicious or unusual skin lesion that requires identification
- Unexplained fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion)
- A suspected mass in the lung requiring tumour type confirmation
- Fluid build-up in the abdomen (ascites) with an unknown cause
- An undiagnosed tumour where the tissue of origin is unclear
- Post-surgical evaluation to assess margins in skin cancer cases
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A pathologist uses the IHC marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM test procedure as part of a diagnostic panel. It can assist in identifying or differentiating the following conditions:
- Basal cell carcinoma of the skin (typically strongly positive)
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (typically negative)
- Pulmonary adenocarcinoma (lung cancer of epithelial origin)
- Malignant mesothelioma (typically negative, aiding distinction from adenocarcinoma)
- Paget disease of the skin (positive, helping distinguish it from Bowen disease)
- Tumours of the gastrointestinal tract, breast, and genitourinary system
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Since this test is performed on tissue already collected during a biopsy or surgery, there is no preparation required from the patient at the time of testing.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The IHC marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM test is performed on a tissue sample, not a blood or urine sample. Dietary intake has no bearing on the results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your tissue sample is submitted to the laboratory:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry any previous histopathology or biopsy reports to the laboratory
- Inform your doctor about all current medications and any known allergies
- Ensure the biopsy procedure is performed by a trained medical professional to obtain an adequate tissue sample
Step-by-Step Procedure
The BerEp4/ EPCAM test procedure involves the following stages, from tissue collection to result preparation:
- A tissue sample is obtained by your doctor through a biopsy (such as a punch biopsy, excisional biopsy, or core needle biopsy) or during surgical removal of a tumour.
- The tissue is preserved using formalin and then embedded in paraffin wax to create a stable FFPE tissue block.
- Thin slices of the tissue block are cut and mounted onto glass slides.
- The BerEp4 antibody is applied to the tissue slice. If the EpCAM protein is present on the cells, the antibody binds to it.
- A colour-producing chemical is added. Cells that carry the EpCAM protein change colour, making them visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slide and records the intensity, pattern, and extent of staining to generate the final report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of the test result:
- Poor or inadequate fixation of the tissue sample after collection
- An insufficient amount of tissue obtained during the biopsy
- Suboptimal antigen retrieval techniques during laboratory processing
- Absence of appropriate positive and negative control samples
- Experience and expertise of the interpreting pathologist
Understanding Your IHC Marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM Test Results
Results from this test are not a standalone diagnosis. They must be reviewed by a qualified pathologist alongside the patient's clinical history, other IHC markers, and additional investigations.
| Staining Result | Interpretation | Conditions Commonly Associated |
|---|---|---|
| Positive (membranous staining) | EpCAM protein detected; epithelial origin likely | Basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma of the lung, breast, colon, gastric, or prostate tumours |
| Negative | EpCAM protein absent | Mesothelioma, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, mesothelial or hepatocellular tumours |
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
This test is a diagnostic marker for tumour classification rather than a wellness parameter, so reference values for "healthy levels" do not apply. The following general tips support early detection of skin and tissue abnormalities:
- Have unusual or changing skin lesions evaluated by a dermatologist promptly
- Attend routine health check-ups as recommended by your doctor
- Share any new or worsening symptoms with your treating physician without delay
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM Test Price
The IHC marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of a tissue block through your treating doctor. 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
Follow these steps for the IHC marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM 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 arrange for your treating doctor to send the FFPE tissue block directly to the laboratory.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test helps pathologists determine the origin and type of a tumour. It is most commonly used to distinguish basal cell carcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, and to tell apart lung adenocarcinoma from malignant mesothelioma. Results are typically used as part of a panel of markers rather than in isolation.
The test is performed on a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy or surgery. No blood draw is involved. The sample is processed into a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block, which is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
No special preparation is required on the day of the test. However, it is important to provide a detailed clinical history and any previous pathology reports when submitting the tissue sample, as clinical information is needed for accurate interpretation.
Reports are typically available within 3 days at Lupin Diagnostics. The turnaround may vary slightly depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional markers are tested alongside BerEp4.
A positive result indicates that the EpCAM protein is present on the tumour cells, suggesting an epithelial origin. This is commonly seen in basal cell carcinoma and various adenocarcinomas. Your pathologist and treating doctor will interpret this in context with all other findings.
No. The BerEp4/ EPCAM test is most useful when used as part of a broader antibody panel. A definitive cancer diagnosis requires combining the IHC results with clinical findings, the patient's history, and other laboratory or imaging investigations. Your doctor will guide you through the full diagnostic process.
IHC marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM test home collection is not available. The sample is a tissue block obtained during a biopsy or surgical procedure, which must be collected by a trained medical professional in a clinical setting and then submitted to the laboratory directly.
IHC Marker - BerEp4/ EPCAM Test: Booking, Price, and Results
