IHC Marker - BOB-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - BOB-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BOB.1, OBF-1, OCA-B, Oct-Binding Factor 1, B-Cell Oct-Binding Protein 1, POU2AF1 IHC |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block or unstained slides |
| Fasting Required | No — this test is performed on a tissue sample, not a blood or urine sample |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily ordered when lymphoma or a blood cancer is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - BOB-1 Test?
The BOB-1 test is an immunohistochemistry (IHC) test that detects the presence of a protein called BOB-1 in tissue samples. BOB-1, also known as B-Cell Oct-Binding Protein 1, is a helper protein that supports the activity of genes responsible for antibody production in B cells (a type of white blood cell).
The test is performed on a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a biopsy. Doctors typically order it when lymphoma or another blood-related cancer is suspected, to help identify the type of tumour and confirm whether it originates from B cells.
What Does an IHC Marker - BOB-1 Test Measure?
The BOB-1 IHC test examines tissue samples under a microscope to assess the expression of the BOB-1 protein. Here is what the test evaluates:
| Component | What it tells us |
|---|---|
| BOB-1 protein expression | Whether tumour cells show nuclear staining for BOB-1, helping confirm B-cell origin |
| B-cell lineage | BOB-1 is normally restricted to B lymphocytes, so its presence supports a B-cell diagnosis |
| Germinal centre activity | High BOB-1 expression is typical of germinal centre B cells and lymphomas derived from them |
| Staining intensity and pattern | Reported as positive or negative, with percentage of stained cells and intensity grade noted |
Why is an IHC Marker - BOB-1 Test Done?
The BOB-1 IHC test is ordered when a tissue biopsy suggests a lymphoma or blood cancer, and the pathologist needs to determine the tumour's cellular origin. It is particularly useful when standard B-cell markers are absent or inconclusive.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Unexplained swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- A mass in the chest (mediastinal mass), often found on imaging
- Persistent fever without a known cause
- Drenching night sweats
- Unintended weight loss over a short period
- Ongoing fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Frequent or recurring infections
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The BOB-1 test procedure helps classify several specific conditions. The conditions it can help identify include:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), including rare subtypes that do not express CD20
- Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL)
- Follicular centre lymphomas and Burkitt lymphomas
- Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL)
- B-cell lymphomas lacking conventional markers such as CD20, CD79a, and PAX5
- ALK-positive large B-cell lymphoma and plasmablastic lymphoma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the BOB-1 IHC test is performed on tissue already collected through a biopsy, there is no direct patient preparation required for the IHC staining itself. The steps below cover what to expect at each stage.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is performed on a tissue sample, not a blood or urine sample, so food and drink do not affect the results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following points will help ensure your sample is accepted and processed without delay:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry the original histopathology or biopsy report when submitting your tissue block or slides
- Submit the FFPE tissue block or unstained slides with proper labelling as instructed by the laboratory
- Ensure the tissue block is stored and transported at room temperature (18 to 28°C)
- Ask your treating doctor or surgeon about the biopsy procedure if you have not yet had one performed
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the tissue sample is collected and processed for the BOB-1 test:
- A doctor performs a biopsy to collect a small tissue sample from the abnormal or suspected area. The biopsy method (needle, core, or excisional) is chosen based on the location and size of the lesion.
- The collected tissue is placed in formalin to preserve its structure. It is then embedded in a paraffin wax block, creating what is known as an FFPE tissue block.
- The paraffin block is cut into very thin slices and mounted onto glass slides in the laboratory.
- Specific antibodies targeting the BOB-1 protein are applied to the slides. A coloured dye (chromogen) makes the protein visible under a microscope if present.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides and assesses whether BOB-1 staining is positive or negative, and records the pattern and intensity.
- The FFPE tissue block or slides are submitted to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory, and results are delivered within 7 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the quality of the test result:
- Delayed or inadequate formalin fixation of the tissue sample
- Paraffin sections cut more than six weeks before staining, as this can reduce immunoreactivity
- Use of unsuitable or improperly charged glass slides, which can cause inconsistent staining
- Incorrect antigen retrieval technique during the staining process
- Poor labelling or improper storage of the tissue block during transport
Understanding Your IHC Marker - BOB-1 Test Results
Results of the BOB-1 IHC test are qualitative and must always be reviewed by a pathologist alongside other IHC markers, clinical findings, and tissue appearance. The table below outlines what the staining pattern may indicate.
| Result | What it May Suggest |
|---|---|
| Strongly positive (nuclear staining) | Consistent with germinal centre-derived B-cell lymphomas, NLPHL, or PMBL |
| Positive (in the absence of CD20, PAX5) | Supports B-cell lineage in rare lymphomas lacking conventional markers |
| Negative or weak staining | May suggest classical Hodgkin lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, or a non-B-cell malignancy |
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
BOB-1 is a diagnostic tissue marker and is not influenced by diet or lifestyle. However, the following general steps are worth noting:
- Report any unexplained lymph node swelling, night sweats, or unintended weight loss to your doctor promptly
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments if you have a known or suspected lymphoma diagnosis
- Keep records of previous biopsy reports and test results to support accurate interpretation at each stage of care
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - BOB-1 Test Price
The BOB-1 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires submission of a tissue biopsy specimen to 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
The following steps explain the BOB-1 test online booking with Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the IHC Marker - BOB-1 Test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit your FFPE tissue block or unstained slides.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BOB-1 test is used to detect BOB-1 protein expression in tissue samples. It helps pathologists confirm B-cell lineage in suspected lymphomas, particularly in rare cases where standard B-cell markers such as CD20 or CD79a are not expressed. It is a key part of the IHC panel used to classify lymphoma type.
The sample is a tissue biopsy collected by a doctor, not by the diagnostic laboratory. Methods range from a needle biopsy to a surgical excisional biopsy, depending on where the abnormal tissue is located. The collected tissue is then preserved in formalin and embedded in a paraffin block before submission.
The IHC staining process itself involves no patient contact and causes no discomfort. Any discomfort experienced is related to the biopsy procedure, which is typically performed under local anaesthesia by a doctor at a clinical facility.
The report is delivered within 7 days of sample submission at Lupin Diagnostics. IHC tests require multiple preparation and staining steps, so a longer turnaround time compared to routine blood tests is normal.
Yes, the BOB-1 test is useful in this distinction when used alongside other markers. Tumour cells that are positive for both Oct-2 and BOB-1 are more consistent with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, while classical Hodgkin lymphoma cells often show weak or absent BOB-1 staining.
No fasting is needed. The BOB-1 test procedure is performed entirely on a tissue block or slides, so your food and drink intake does not affect the result.
No. BOB-1 IHC test home collection is not available, as this test requires a tissue biopsy block or unstained slides. The biopsy must be performed at a healthcare facility, and the preserved tissue is then submitted directly to a Lupin Diagnostics centre for processing.
IHC Marker - BOB-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
