IHC Marker - BRAF V600E Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - BRAF V600E Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BRAF V600E IHC, BRAF V600E Mutation by Immunohistochemistry, VE1 antibody stain, BRAF V600E immunostain |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults with diagnosed or suspected melanoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, colorectal cancer, hairy cell leukaemia, or other BRAF-associated tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,600 |
What is an IHC Marker - BRAF V600E Test?
The IHC marker - BRAF V600E test detects the presence of a specific mutated protein in tumour tissue. It uses a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC), which stains a tissue sample to reveal whether the abnormal BRAF V600E protein is present.
Doctors order this test to determine whether a patient's cancer carries a particular genetic change that affects treatment decisions. It is also referred to as the BRAF V600E mutation by immunohistochemistry or the VE1 antibody stain.
What Does an IHC Marker - BRAF V600E Test Measure?
This test examines tumour tissue for a single, specific marker. Here is what it looks for:
| Component | What it is | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| BRAF V600E mutant protein | An abnormal form of the BRAF enzyme caused by a gene change | This change causes cells to grow uncontrollably and is linked to several types of cancer |
| VE1 antibody binding | A laboratory antibody that attaches specifically to the mutated protein | Confirms whether the V600E mutation is present in the tumour tissue |
The test uses automated IHC platforms, which provide a standardised, sensitive, and specific method for identifying the mutated protein in tissue samples.
Why is an IHC Marker - BRAF V600E Test Done?
A doctor may order this test at the time of cancer diagnosis to guide treatment planning. It plays a key role in identifying whether a tumour carries a targetable mutation.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may request this test if you present with any of the following:
- Unexplained changes in a skin lesion or mole
- An enlarged or suspicious thyroid nodule
- Unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue
- Changes in bowel habits without a clear cause
- An enlarged spleen, which may suggest hairy cell leukaemia
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The BRAF V600E IHC test is used in the evaluation of several cancer types, including:
- Melanoma (skin cancer)
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma
- Colorectal cancer
- Hairy cell leukaemia
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis
- Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (a type of brain tumour)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The preparation for this test is different from a routine blood test. The sample is tumour tissue, not blood, so the preparation focuses on the tissue specimen rather than the patient's diet or routine.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This is a tissue-based test, and dietary intake does not affect the sample or the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before submitting a sample for this test:
- Bring your clinical history, including previous biopsy or surgical pathology reports and tumour block, as clinical history is required for this test
- Inform your doctor of any prior cancer treatments you have received
- Ensure the tissue block is stored and transported at room temperature (18 to 28 degrees Celsius)
- Let your treating doctor know if you have any additional tissue samples from previous procedures, as these may be used if the current block is insufficient
Step-by-Step Procedure
The BRAF V600E test procedure involves tissue, not a routine blood draw. Here is how the process works:
- A doctor obtains tumour tissue through a biopsy or surgical procedure at a hospital or clinic.
- The tissue is fixed in formalin (a preservative solution) and then embedded in paraffin wax to create a solid block, known as an FFPE tissue block.
- Thin slices are cut from the block and placed on glass slides in the laboratory.
- The VE1 antibody stain is applied to the slides on an automated IHC platform.
- The stain highlights the BRAF V600E mutant protein, if present, making it visible under a microscope.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides and prepares an interpreted report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several technical factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Poor tissue fixation or incorrect formalin concentration
- Insufficient formalin fixation time (less than 6 hours)
- Low tumour cell content in the tissue sample
- Presence of necrotic (dead) tissue in the block
- Improper storage or transport of the specimen
Understanding Your IHC Marker - BRAF V600E Test Results
Results from this test are reported as either positive or negative. Your oncologist or pathologist will review the findings alongside your full clinical picture. The table below explains what each result generally indicates.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative | No BRAF V600E mutant protein detected in the tumour tissue |
| Positive | BRAF V600E mutant protein present; may indicate eligibility for targeted therapies |
If your result is negative, it may mean the tumour carries a different type of mutation. In some cases, a negative IHC result warrants further molecular testing to check for other BRAF variants such as V600K.
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
The BRAF mutation status is a fixed characteristic of tumour cells and is not influenced by lifestyle or diet. General health guidance includes:
- Follow all recommendations from your oncologist regarding treatment and monitoring
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and do not skip pathology reviews
- Maintain overall well-being through balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and light physical activity, as advised by your doctor
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - BRAF V600E Test Price
The IHC marker - BRAF V600E test cost starts at ₹3,600 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of a prepared tissue block through your treating hospital. Home collection is not available for this test. The table below shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 3600 |
| CHENNAI | 3600 |
| HYDERABAD | 3600 |
| KOLKATA | 3600 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 3600 |
| PUNE | 3600 |
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 - BRAF V600E test online booking:
- 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.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BRAF V600E mutation is a specific change in the BRAF gene that causes cells to grow without normal controls. It accounts for approximately 90% of all BRAF mutations identified in cancer patients. This change is most commonly found in melanoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, and several other tumour types.
The BRAF V600E IHC method is a fast, accurate, and cost-effective way to detect the mutation directly in tissue. It provides reliable results at a lower cost than molecular or PCR-based methods, making it the preferred first-line approach in many clinical settings.
The BRAF V600E mutation is found in roughly 50% of melanomas, thyroid cancers, and certain histiocytic tumours. In colorectal and lung cancers, the mutation is less common, appearing in approximately 3% to 10% of reported cases.
No, home collection is not available for this test. The sample requires tumour tissue obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure, which can only be performed by qualified medical professionals in a hospital or clinical setting.
Lupin Diagnostics delivers results within 3 days. The BRAF V600E test procedure involves technical staining and pathologist review, both of which take time to ensure accuracy.
A positive result means the tumour expresses the V600E mutant protein. Your oncologist will use this information to assess whether targeted therapies, such as BRAF kinase inhibitors, are appropriate for your treatment plan. Your doctor will guide you on the next steps.
No, these are different tests. The IHC marker - BRAF V600E test is performed on tumour tissue in the form of an FFPE block or stained slides. Blood-based BRAF testing, which analyses circulating tumour DNA, uses a different method and is a separate investigation entirely.
IHC Marker - BRAF V600E Test: Booking, Price, and Results
