IHC Marker-CD163 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-CD163 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Haemoglobin Scavenger Receptor (HbSR), M2 Macrophage Marker, M130, p155 |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue biopsy |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; no gender restriction. Ordered when histiocytic or macrophage-related conditions are suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is a IHC Marker-CD163 Test?
The IHC Marker-CD163 Test is a specialised tissue-based diagnostic test that detects the presence and distribution of the CD163 protein in biopsy samples. CD163, also called the Haemoglobin Scavenger Receptor (HbSR), M130 or p155, is a protein found on the surface of mature macrophages and monocytes — types of immune cells. A pathologist examines stained tissue sections under a microscope to determine whether CD163 is expressed and, if so, how strongly. The test is ordered when a doctor suspects tumours or conditions that arise from histiocytes (tissue macrophages) or monocytes.
What Does a IHC Marker-CD163 Test Measure?
The test evaluates CD163 protein expression directly in tissue. Below are the key aspects the pathologist assesses.
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CD163 staining (positive or negative) | Whether CD163 protein is present in the tissue sample |
| Staining intensity (weak, moderate, or strong) | How much CD163 is expressed, if present |
| Distribution pattern (membranous or cytoplasmic) | Where within the cell the protein is located |
CD163 marks monocytic and histiocytic lineage cells. It also reflects the M2 Macrophage Marker function — identifying anti-inflammatory immune cells. One of its key biological roles is clearing haemoglobin-haptoglobin complexes from the body, which prevents damage caused by free iron from broken-down red blood cells.
Why is a IHC Marker-CD163 Test Done?
Doctors order this test when a biopsy sample needs further classification to determine whether a tumour or condition originates from macrophages or histiocytes. The sections below outline when and why the test is typically requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a biopsy followed by CD163 immunostaining:
- Unexplained, persistently enlarged lymph nodes
- Prolonged fever with no clear cause
- Unusual skin nodules or lesions
- Bone pain with no obvious injury
- Suspicion of a histiocytic tumour on imaging
- Suspected rare blood or immune cell malignancies
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC Marker - CD163 Test can assist in identifying several conditions, including:
- Histiocytic sarcoma — a rare malignant tumour of histiocytic origin for which CD163 is a key diagnostic marker
- Rosai-Dorfman disease (also known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy)
- Littoral cell angioma, a rare benign tumour of the spleen
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis, involving abnormal histiocyte cell proliferation
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with monocytic differentiation, where CD163 offers higher specificity than the older marker CD68
- Tumour-associated macrophage infiltration in various cancers, which may carry prognostic significance
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test does not require any special preparation from the patient, but providing complete information before the procedure helps ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The sample is a tissue biopsy, not blood, so dietary restrictions do not apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few practical steps to follow before the biopsy procedure:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any prior diagnoses, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about any earlier biopsies or surgeries at the same site
- Disclose all medications you are currently taking, particularly steroids or immunosuppressants, as these can affect CD163 expression
- Ensure the biopsy team is aware that an FFPE tissue block will be needed for IHC processing
- Ask your doctor whether additional IHC markers will be tested alongside CD163, as panels are commonly used
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the tissue sample is collected and processed:
- A surgeon or interventional radiologist performs a biopsy at the suspected site, such as a lymph node, skin lesion, bone, or internal organ.
- The collected tissue is placed in formalin for 18 to 24 hours to preserve its structure, then dehydrated and embedded in paraffin wax to form a tissue block.
- A laboratory technician cuts thin sections (typically 4 to 5 microns thick) from the paraffin block and mounts them on glass slides.
- Antigen retrieval is performed to expose the CD163 protein, and a CD163-specific antibody is applied to the slide to bind with the protein if present.
- A chromogenic or fluorescent dye makes the binding visible, producing a coloured stain where CD163 is expressed.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, assesses staining intensity and pattern, and issues a report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of CD163 staining results:
- Insufficient or poorly collected tissue sample
- Improper or prolonged formalin fixation
- Suboptimal paraffin embedding technique
- Absence of appropriate positive and negative control slides
- Current use of steroid medications, which can upregulate CD163 expression
- Use of immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporin, which can reduce CD163 expression
- Pathologist expertise in interpreting IHC staining patterns
Understanding Your IHC Marker-CD163 Test Results
Results from this test are qualitative, meaning the pathologist reports whether CD163 staining is positive or negative, along with the intensity and pattern. Results are always interpreted in the context of clinical findings and alongside other IHC markers.
| Result | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive (moderate to strong, membranous or cytoplasmic) | Suggests monocytic or histiocytic origin; seen in histiocytic sarcoma, Rosai-Dorfman disease, AML with monocytic differentiation, and littoral cell angioma |
| Positive (tumour-associated macrophages) | May indicate M2 macrophage infiltration in the tumour microenvironment; associated with prognosis in some cancers |
| Negative | Suggests the tumour or lesion is not of histiocytic or monocytic origin; also seen in early or immature monocytic tumours |
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 medications and conditions can affect CD163 staining:
- Glucocorticoids (steroid medications) and inflammatory signalling molecules such as IL-6 and IL-10 can significantly increase CD163 expression in tissues.
- Immunosuppressive drugs, particularly cyclosporin, can reduce expression and may lead to weaker staining results.
- Fixation artefacts from improper tissue processing can distort staining patterns and complicate interpretation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because CD163 is a diagnostic marker rather than a routine health screening parameter, the following tips apply in a general sense:
- Support overall immune health through a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity.
- If a histiocytic or macrophage-related condition has been diagnosed, follow your oncologist's or haematologist's treatment and follow-up plan closely.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments as advised by your treating physician.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-CD163 Test Price
The IHC Marker-CD163 Test is priced starting at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of the FFPE tissue block directly; 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
- Select the IHC Marker - CD163 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 arrange for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Marker-CD163 Test helps pathologists identify whether a tumour or tissue lesion originates from macrophages or histiocytes — a specific family of immune cells. It is particularly useful in diagnosing histiocytic sarcoma, Rosai-Dorfman disease, and acute myeloid leukaemia with monocytic differentiation. It also helps assess the immune environment of various tumours.
The test requires a tissue biopsy, not a blood sample. A surgeon or interventional radiologist removes a small piece of tissue from the area of concern. This tissue is then processed into an FFPE block, sectioned, and stained in the laboratory for microscopic examination by a pathologist.
No. A blood test can measure soluble CD163 (sCD163), which circulates in the bloodstream during inflammatory activation of macrophages. The IHC Marker-CD163 Test is different — it examines CD163 protein expression directly within tissue sections and is used for tumour classification, not general inflammatory screening.
CD68 is an older marker that stains a wider range of cell types, which can reduce its specificity for monocytic or histiocytic tumours. CD163 has demonstrated greater specificity for monocyte and macrophage lineage, making it a more reliable marker when confirming histiocytic conditions such as histiocytic sarcoma.
A positive result does not automatically mean cancer. CD163 is expressed in normal macrophages throughout the body as well as in certain benign conditions such as Rosai-Dorfman disease. However, a positive result in the right clinical context may support a diagnosis of a histiocytic malignancy. Your doctor will interpret the result alongside other tests and clinical findings.
Not necessarily. Some histiocytic tumours, particularly early or immature ones, may show weak or absent CD163 staining. Pathologists typically use a panel of markers — including CD68, lysozyme, and S100 — alongside the M2 Macrophage Marker CD163 to reach an accurate diagnosis.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically delivered within 3 days of the tissue block reaching the laboratory. This may vary depending on the complexity of the case or whether additional staining markers are requested alongside CD163.
IHC Marker-CD163 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
