IHC Marker-CD117 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-CD117 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | c-KIT IHC, CD117 Immunohistochemistry, c-KIT Staining, KIT IHC, Stem Cell Factor Receptor IHC |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | Not applicable — this test requires a tissue biopsy specimen, not a blood or urine sample |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders, all ages (as clinically directed for suspected tumours) |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-CD117 Test?
The IHC marker-CD117 test detects a protein called CD117, also known as c-KIT, in tumour tissue samples. This protein is found on certain types of cells, including mast cells and stem cells, and can also appear on cancer cells. Doctors order this test to help identify specific tumour types when tissue from a biopsy is available. It may also be referred to as c-KIT IHC, CD117 immunohistochemistry, or KIT IHC.
What Does an IHC Marker-CD117 Test Measure?
The IHC marker-CD117 test procedure examines a thin slice of tumour tissue under a microscope using a technique called immunohistochemistry. A laboratory antibody is applied to the tissue to identify whether the CD117 protein is present. The following aspects of CD117 expression are assessed:
| Parameter | What it Tells the Pathologist |
|---|---|
| CD117 Protein Presence | Whether the CD117 protein is detected (positive) or absent (negative) in tumour cells |
| Staining Intensity | How strongly the cells react to the antibody (weak, moderate, or strong) |
| Percentage of Positive Cells | What proportion of cells in the sample carry CD117 protein |
| Cellular Localisation | Whether the staining appears in the cytoplasm (inner cell body) or on the cell membrane (outer surface) |
Why is an IHC Marker-CD117 Test Done?
This test is used when a doctor suspects certain tumours or blood cancers based on a patient's symptoms, imaging results, or prior biopsy findings. It helps narrow down the tumour type so that appropriate treatment decisions can be made.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with any of the following:
- A palpable mass in the abdomen
- Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal pain without a clear cause
- Unexplained anaemia (lower-than-normal red blood cell count)
- A suspected lump or mass in the testicular region
- Skin lesions that suggest possible melanoma
- Signs or symptoms pointing to mast cell disease, such as flushing, hives, or bone pain
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD117 immunohistochemistry marker is used to help confirm or rule out a range of conditions, including:
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), the most common indication for CD117 testing
- Mast cell tumours and systemic mastocytosis (a condition where too many mast cells build up in the body)
- Seminoma and dysgerminoma, which are types of germ cell tumours
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow
- Certain melanomas and small cell lung carcinomas that express the c-KIT protein
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test does not require any preparation from the patient in terms of fasting or dietary changes. However, there are some important steps to be aware of before and after the biopsy procedure.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The IHC marker-CD117 test is performed on a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy, not on blood or urine. Any pre-procedure preparation will be specific to the type of biopsy your doctor has planned.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your biopsy and tissue submission:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or blood thinners you are currently taking
- Follow all pre-biopsy instructions given by your surgeon or treating specialist
- Ensure that one representative block of the tumour tissue (or unstained sections, as directed) is submitted to the laboratory
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker-CD117 test procedure involves the following steps:
- A specialist (surgeon or interventional radiologist) obtains a tissue sample through a surgical or needle biopsy procedure.
- The tissue is placed in a formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in paraffin wax to create a firm block — this is the FFPE tissue block submitted to the laboratory.
- A laboratory technician cuts very thin slices of the tissue and places them on glass slides.
- A specially designed antibody is applied to the tissue slice. This antibody is made to attach specifically to the CD117 protein.
- Where CD117 protein is present, the antibody triggers a visible colour change (typically brown) that the pathologist can see under the microscope.
- The pathologist examines the stained slide, records whether the result is positive or negative, notes the staining intensity, and documents the findings in a detailed report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The reliability of CD117 IHC results depends on several technical and clinical factors:
- Quality of tissue fixation (how well the sample was preserved after biopsy)
- Duration of formalin fixation before processing
- The specific antibody clone used in the laboratory
- Antigen retrieval technique applied during staining
- Experience and expertise of the reporting pathologist
- Adequacy and representativeness of the tissue sample submitted
Understanding Your IHC Marker-CD117 Test Results
Results from the IHC marker-CD117 test are reviewed and interpreted by a qualified pathologist. The findings are reported alongside clinical details to give the treating doctor a full picture.
| Result | Interpretation | Common Associations |
|---|---|---|
| Positive (Reactive) | CD117 protein detected in tumour cells | GIST, mastocytosis, seminoma, AML, certain melanomas |
| Negative (Non-reactive) | CD117 protein not detected | May suggest non-GIST tumours such as leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, or schwannoma |
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.
A positive result does not by itself confirm a diagnosis. A negative result does not completely exclude GIST, as approximately 5% of GISTs do not express CD117. Results must always be reviewed alongside the full clinical picture, other IHC markers, and molecular test findings where applicable.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a diagnostic test for tumour tissue rather than a routine health check, standard "healthy levels" do not apply. However, the following general points are useful to keep in mind:
- Discuss all results with your treating oncologist or specialist, who will place them in the context of your overall diagnosis
- If additional IHC markers have been ordered alongside CD117, review all results together before drawing conclusions
- Follow up promptly if your doctor recommends molecular testing or further investigations based on the CD117 findings
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-CD117 Test Price
The IHC marker-CD117 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre for sample submission; 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
Here is how to book your IHC marker-CD117 test online:
- 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 IHC marker-CD117 test detects CD117, a protein found on certain tumour cells. It is primarily used to diagnose gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), mast cell diseases, and germ cell tumours such as seminoma. It also helps identify CD117 expression in certain leukaemias.
The test requires a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy procedure carried out by a surgeon or specialist. The tissue is then fixed, processed into a paraffin block, and examined in the laboratory using the immunohistochemistry technique.
No. The CD117 immunohistochemistry test specifically requires a tissue biopsy specimen. A different technique called flow cytometry may be used to detect CD117 on blood or bone marrow cells in certain leukaemia cases, but that is a separate test.
A positive result means that CD117 protein has been detected in the tumour cells. In the context of a suspected GIST, this strongly supports the diagnosis. Your doctor will interpret the result alongside other IHC markers and clinical findings before concluding.
Yes. Around 5% of GISTs do not express CD117. In such cases, additional markers such as DOG1 may be used to support the diagnosis, and molecular testing for mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA genes may also be recommended.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the IHC marker-CD117 test report is typically available within 7 days of the laboratory receiving the tissue specimen. Turnaround time may vary based on the complexity of findings.
Identifying CD117 expression in a tumour, particularly a GIST, has direct implications for treatment decisions. CD117-positive tumours may be candidates for targeted therapies that act on the c-KIT pathway. Your oncologist will use these results as one part of a broader treatment plan.
IHC Marker-CD117 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
