IHC Marker - Calretinin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - Calretinin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Calretinin IHC, IHC Calretinin, Calretinin Immunostain, Calretinin Immunohistochemistry |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; ordered when mesothelioma, ovarian sex cord-stromal tumours, or Hirschsprung disease is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - Calretinin Test?
The IHC marker - Calretinin test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of calretinin, a calcium-binding protein, in tissue samples. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to determine whether and where this protein is present. Doctors order this test when they suspect certain cancers or congenital conditions based on symptoms or earlier investigations. The sample used is a tissue block obtained via biopsy.
What Does an IHC Marker - Calretinin Test Measure?
This test detects calretinin protein in tissue sections using antibodies. The distribution and intensity of calretinin staining help pathologists identify the origin of abnormal cells.
Calretinin is normally found in the following cell types:
- Mesothelial cells (cells lining body cavities such as the chest and abdomen)
- Adrenal cortical cells
- Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in the testes
- Ovarian theca-interna cells
- Certain nerve cells and neuroendocrine cells
- Eccrine sweat gland cells
By assessing the presence or absence of calretinin in tissue, the test helps pathologists distinguish between different tumour types and conditions.
Why is an IHC Marker - Calretinin Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to identify the origin of abnormal cells found in a tissue biopsy. It is not a routine screening test; it is used when there is already a clinical reason to investigate.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may lead a doctor to request this test as part of a diagnostic investigation:
- Persistent or unexplained chest pain
- Shortness of breath that does not resolve
- Abdominal swelling or pain without a clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic constipation in infants (when Hirschsprung disease is suspected)
- A pelvic mass detected on imaging
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC Calretinin test assists in the identification of several conditions:
- Malignant mesothelioma (a cancer of the tissue lining the lungs or abdomen, often linked to asbestos exposure)
- Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumours
- Hirschsprung disease (a congenital condition where nerve cells are absent from part of the bowel)
- Ameloblastoma (a type of jaw tumour)
- Adrenocortical tumours
- Schwannomas (nerve sheath tumours)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before this test. The key requirement is that a tissue biopsy sample is already available or will be collected by a doctor.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You may eat and drink normally. There are no dietary restrictions before or after the biopsy procedure, unless your surgeon advises otherwise for the procedure itself.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being prepared helps ensure accurate and timely results. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Provide the original histopathology report if one is available, along with relevant imaging or clinical records
- Ensure that any previously collected biopsy blocks or slides are correctly labelled before they are sent to the laboratory
- Inform your doctor about any prior surgeries or biopsies at the suspected site
- No medication restrictions apply for this test specifically
Step-by-Step Procedure
The Calretinin IHC test procedure involves tissue processing and laboratory analysis. Here is what typically happens:
- A doctor performs a biopsy to collect a small tissue sample from the area of concern.
- The tissue is preserved using formalin and then embedded in a paraffin wax block to create an FFPE tissue block.
- A laboratory technician cuts very thin slices (approximately 4-5 microns thick) from the block and mounts them on glass slides.
- Specialised antibodies designed to recognise calretinin are applied to the tissue sections and allowed to bind to the protein if it is present.
- A second set of antibodies linked to detection enzymes is applied to amplify the signal and create a visible colour change where calretinin is found.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and prepares a detailed report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of results:
- Quality and adequacy of the tissue sample collected during biopsy
- Proper formalin fixation and processing of the tissue block
- Accuracy of antibody selection and laboratory technique
- An incomplete clinical history was provided with the sample
- Calretinin is not entirely specific to mesothelial cells; it can also appear in some breast carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and serous ovarian carcinomas
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Calretinin Test Results
Results from the Calretinin immunohistochemistry test are reported as positive or negative and must always be interpreted by a qualified pathologist in the context of the full clinical picture.
| Result | What it May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Positive (calretinin detected) | Suggests mesothelial origin; seen in mesothelioma (80 to 100% of epithelioid cases), ovarian sex cord-stromal tumours (approximately 98% sensitivity), normal ganglion cells, and adrenocortical tumours |
| Negative (calretinin not detected) | May suggest absence of mesothelial origin; characteristic of Hirschsprung disease (loss of staining in bowel tissue); seen in lung adenocarcinoma and other carcinomas |
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 tool, not a wellness indicator. There are no "normal levels" to maintain. However, the following general steps are relevant:
- If you have a history of asbestos exposure, discuss regular monitoring with your doctor
- Follow up promptly with your doctor if you have ongoing respiratory or abdominal symptoms
- Attend all follow-up appointments recommended after a biopsy to ensure timely review of results
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Calretinin Test Price
The IHC marker - Calretinin test cost starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of an existing FFPE tissue block; home collection is not available for this test.
| 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
Booking your IHC marker - Calretinin test online at Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- Select the 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 slides.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Calretinin test detects a protein called calretinin in tissue samples. It is used primarily to help diagnose malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the tissue lining the lungs or abdomen. It also assists in identifying ovarian sex cord-stromal tumours, Hirschsprung disease in children, and certain jaw tumours.
No. This is not a screening test. It is ordered when a doctor already has a clinical reason to investigate, such as unexplained symptoms, an abnormal imaging finding, or a previous biopsy. It forms part of a broader diagnostic evaluation.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 7 days. This is because the tissue must go through a detailed laboratory process involving fixation, sectioning, staining, and microscopic examination by a pathologist.
A negative result means calretinin was not detected in the tissue sample. While this can suggest the absence of mesothelioma or mesothelial origin, it does not completely rule out the disease. Sensitivity is lower in certain subtypes, such as sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Your doctor will consider all findings together before concluding.
The pathologist interpreting the stained slides needs your clinical history to provide an accurate and meaningful report. Details such as your symptoms, prior biopsies, imaging findings, and relevant medical background help place the staining result in the correct diagnostic context.
The laboratory processing of the tissue block carries no direct risk to you. Any risks are related to the biopsy procedure used to collect tissue and may include minor bleeding, infection, or discomfort at the biopsy site. Your doctor will discuss these with you before the procedure.
Yes. The IHC marker - Calretinin test can generally be performed on either an FFPE tissue block or unstained slides prepared from an existing block. Please confirm the accepted format with your Lupin Diagnostics centre when booking.
IHC Marker - Calretinin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
