IHC Marker-CD138 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-CD138 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Syndecan-1, SDC1, IHC CD138, CD138 Immunostain, CD138 Immunohistochemistry |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender; typically ordered when a plasma cell neoplasm or carcinoma is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-CD138 Test?
The IHC marker-CD138 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the CD138 protein (also called Syndecan-1) in tissue samples. CD138 is found on the surface of plasma cells and certain epithelial cells, making it a useful marker for identifying plasma cell disorders and some carcinomas. The test uses a method called immunohistochemistry, where a specific antibody is applied to a tissue section to reveal whether the CD138 antigen is present. Doctors typically order this test when a condition such as multiple myeloma or plasmacytoma is suspected.
What Does an IHC Marker-CD138 Test Measure?
The IHC marker-CD138 test procedure analyses a tissue sample for the following:
| Parameter | What it Assesses |
|---|---|
| CD138 (Syndecan-1) protein expression | Whether the CD138 antigen is present in the tissue (positive or negative result) |
| Cell membrane staining pattern | How strongly and where CD138 staining appears on cell surfaces |
| Distribution of CD138-positive cells | The location and proportion of plasma cells within the tissue sample |
| Plasma cell percentage (bone marrow) | In myeloma workup, the share of CD138-positive plasma cells is assessed quantitatively |
Why is an IHC Marker-CD138 Test Done?
Doctors request this test when clinical findings point towards a plasma cell disorder or certain cancers. The result helps confirm a diagnosis and, in some cases, guides ongoing monitoring.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to order the IHC CD138 test:
- Persistent bone pain, particularly in the back, pelvis, or ribs
- Unexplained and lasting fatigue
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Numbness or weakness in the limbs
- Abnormal bleeding
- Kidney problems without a clear cause
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying a range of plasma cell and other conditions:
- Multiple myeloma (a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow)
- Plasmacytoma (a single tumour of abnormal plasma cells)
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor condition to myeloma
- Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and other plasmacytoid lymphomas
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with plasma cell features
- Certain carcinomas, including prostate, colon, renal cell, and hepatocellular carcinoma
- Primary effusion lymphoma
IHC Marker-CD138 Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The IHC marker-CD138 test may also be used to track how well treatment is working in patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma or related conditions. A decrease in CD138 expression after treatment can suggest a positive response to therapy. The test may be repeated at intervals during treatment, although flow cytometry is more commonly used for routine monitoring.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test does not require dietary preparation, but a few practical steps will help ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The sample is a tissue block, not a blood or urine sample, so food and drink do not affect the collection or analysis.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your 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.
- Provide a copy of any previous histopathology (tissue examination) reports and information about the biopsy site.
- Inform your doctor about any ongoing medications, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy, as these can affect CD138 expression in the tissue.
- No special dietary or lifestyle changes are needed before the biopsy procedure.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker-CD138 test procedure involves several laboratory steps after the tissue is collected:
- A specialist collects a tissue sample through a biopsy or surgical procedure at a clinical facility.
- The tissue is fixed in a formalin solution and embedded in a paraffin block to preserve it for processing.
- Very thin sections (typically 3 to 5 microns thick) are cut from the paraffin block and placed on glass slides.
- The slides are deparaffinised and subjected to heat-induced antigen retrieval, which exposes the CD138 protein for detection.
- A primary antibody specific to Syndecan-1 (CD138) is applied to the tissue section and allowed to bind.
- A detection system is used to make the antibody-antigen binding visible under a microscope, and the pathologist examines the stained slides.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of the test result:
- Quality and duration of tissue fixation before processing
- Proper antigen retrieval technique in the laboratory
- Age of the cut paraffin section, as older sections may show reduced immunoreactivity
- Antibody concentration and specificity used during staining
- Prior chemotherapy or targeted therapy, which can reduce CD138 expression on myeloma cells
- Improper tissue storage or processing, which may lead to false-negative results
Understanding Your IHC Marker-CD138 Test Results
Results from this test are reported qualitatively and must be reviewed alongside your full clinical picture. A pathologist examines the stained slides and provides an interpretation based on the staining pattern and distribution.
| Parameter | Expected Finding | Possible Significance of Abnormal Findings |
|---|---|---|
| CD138 Staining | Negative or limited to normal plasma cells and epithelial tissues | Positive staining in high numbers of atypical cells may suggest myeloma, plasmacytoma, or certain carcinomas |
| Plasma cell percentage (bone marrow) | Less than 10% | Greater than 10% may be associated with myeloma or related disorders |
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.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain factors can alter how results are interpreted:
- Epithelial and endothelial cells can also express CD138 naturally, which may cause a false-positive reading if a haematolymphoid (blood cell) origin has not been confirmed through other tests.
- Patients who have received proteasome inhibitors or other targeted therapies may show reduced CD138 expression on myeloma cells, potentially leading to a false-negative result.
- Improper tissue fixation or processing can also produce false-negative findings, independent of the patient's actual disease status.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness tips for individuals who have risk factors for plasma cell disorders:
- Attend regular health check-ups and report persistent bone pain, unexplained fatigue, or recurrent infections to your doctor promptly.
- Follow your oncologist's recommended follow-up schedule if you have been diagnosed with a plasma cell disorder.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay in close communication with your medical team if you have been told you have MGUS or a related condition.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-CD138 Test Price
The IHC marker-CD138 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available because the sample must be collected through a clinical biopsy procedure by a qualified specialist.
| 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
You can book your IHC marker-CD138 test online booking through the following steps:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker-CD138 test detects the CD138 (Syndecan-1) protein in tissue samples. It is primarily used to help diagnose plasma cell disorders such as multiple myeloma and plasmacytoma, as well as certain carcinomas. The result is one part of a broader diagnostic workup carried out by your doctor.
The sample is collected through a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by a trained specialist in a clinical setting. Once collected, the tissue is fixed in formalin, embedded in a paraffin block, and sent to the laboratory for processing and staining. This cannot be done at home.
No fasting or dietary changes are needed. However, it is important to bring your complete clinical history and any previous histopathology reports, as this information is required for the test and helps the pathologist interpret your results accurately.
The IHC marker-CD138 test report is typically delivered within 7 days. Processing times may vary slightly depending on the complexity of the sample and the findings observed.
A positive result indicates that the CD138 antigen was detected in the tissue sample. This may suggest the presence of multiple myeloma, plasmacytoma, or certain carcinomas. A positive result alone is not a diagnosis; your doctor will review it alongside other tests and your clinical history before drawing any conclusions.
Yes. CD138 is also expressed in some normal epithelial cells and in certain epithelial tumours, including breast, prostate, and colon cancers. Because of this, results must always be interpreted alongside other immunohistochemical markers and clinical findings by a qualified pathologist.
A negative result means that CD138 was not detected in the sample. This can suggest the absence of a plasma cell neoplasm, but a negative result does not completely rule out disease. Your doctor may order additional tests or repeat the test if clinical suspicion remains.
IHC Marker-CD138 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
