IHC Marker-CD20 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-CD20 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD20 Immunohistochemistry, CD20 IHC, IHC CD20, Cluster of Differentiation 20 Marker Test |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of all ages when B-cell lymphoma or related conditions are suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-CD20 Test?
The IHC marker-CD20 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the CD20 protein on cells in a tissue sample. CD20 is a protein found on the surface of mature B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in immunity. Doctors order this test when B-cell lymphoma or a related blood cancer is suspected. It is also known as CD20 immunohistochemistry or IHC CD20.
What Does an IHC Marker-CD20 Test Measure?
The IHC marker-CD20 test procedure analyses tissue from a biopsy sample using a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC). Specialised anti-CD20 antibodies are applied to thin sections of the tissue. A pathologist then examines the staining pattern under a microscope to assess CD20 expression.
The result is reported as one of the following:
| Parameter | Possible Result | What it Means |
|---|---|---|
| CD20 Expression | Strongly positive | High level of CD20 protein detected on cells |
| CD20 Expression | Weakly positive | Low level of CD20 protein detected on cells |
| CD20 Expression | Negative | CD20 protein not detected in the sample |
Why is an IHC Marker-CD20 Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a B-cell lymphoma or needs to classify a blood cancer for treatment planning. Below are the key reasons it may be recommended.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test. These include:
- Painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
- Drenching night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue linked to anaemia caused by abnormal B cells
- Fever without an obvious cause
- Itching all over the body without a rash
- Bone pain
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify and classify several conditions. These include:
- B-cell lymphomas (approximately 90% of which express CD20)
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
- Non-Hodgkin lymphomas of B-cell origin
- Certain B-cell leukaemias
- Conditions where eligibility for CD20-targeted therapy needs to be confirmed
IHC Marker-CD20 Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The IHC CD20 test has a role in monitoring treatment response. When a patient is receiving CD20-targeted therapy such as rituximab, repeat testing may be used to assess whether CD20 expression has changed over time. This helps doctors evaluate how well treatment is working and whether adjustments are needed.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test is performed on a tissue sample collected during a biopsy. The steps below explain what to expect before and during the process.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The tissue sample used for the IHC marker-CD20 test is collected during a biopsy procedure, not a routine blood draw.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being well prepared helps ensure accurate 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
- Carry your original histopathology report and any relevant radiology or imaging records
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, especially chemotherapy agents or immunosuppressive drugs, as these can affect the cells being analysed
- Ensure that any previously collected tissue block is properly preserved and correctly labelled before submission
- Discuss any supplements or other medicines you are taking with your doctor, as some may affect results
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker-CD20 test procedure involves the following steps:
- Your doctor identifies the site of suspected disease, typically a lymph node or another affected area, and arranges a biopsy.
- A tissue sample is collected via needle aspiration or surgical biopsy, depending on where the suspected lymphoma is located.
- The collected tissue is placed in a 10% neutral-buffered formalin solution to preserve it. Optimal fixation takes 12 to 24 hours and should not exceed 48 hours.
- The preserved tissue is embedded in a paraffin block (an FFPE block) to allow thin sections to be cut for analysis.
- Thin sections of the tissue are stained with anti-CD20 antibodies in the laboratory.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained sections under a microscope and reports the level of CD20 expression.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliable the result is:
- Inadequate or improper fixation of the tissue sample
- Poor sample quality at the time of biopsy
- Prior treatment with anti-CD20 therapies, such as rituximab, may reduce CD20 expression
- The quality of antibodies used in the staining process
- The expertise and experience of the interpreting pathologist
Understanding Your IHC Marker-CD20 Test Results
Results from the IHC CD20 test should always be reviewed by a qualified doctor alongside your clinical history, imaging reports, and other diagnostic findings. The table below gives a general overview of what results may indicate.
| Result | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Strongly positive | Suggests B-cell origin; consistent with B-cell lymphoma |
| Weakly positive | May be seen in certain B-cell lymphomas, such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia |
| Negative | CD20 not detected; lymphoma, if present, may be non-B-cell origin or a rare CD20-negative B-cell subtype |
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 situations can make results harder to interpret:
- Patients who have previously received rituximab or other anti-CD20 therapies may show reduced or absent CD20 expression, even if a B-cell lymphoma is present.
- Early-stage precursor B lymphoblastic leukaemia may return a negative CD20 result despite being a B-cell cancer.
- In rare cases, T-cell lymphomas may test positive for CD20, which can complicate diagnosis.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test does not have a numerical reference range to maintain, the following tips support your overall well-being during and after lymphoma assessment:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your oncologist and do not miss planned repeat testing.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or newly swollen lymph nodes, to your doctor promptly.
- Follow your doctor's guidance on diet, rest, and supportive care during the treatment period.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-CD20 Test Price
The IHC marker-CD20 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; 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
Booking your IHC marker-CD20 test online is straightforward:
- 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-CD20 test detects the CD20 protein in tissue samples using immunohistochemistry. It is used primarily to diagnose and classify B-cell lymphomas, which are cancers that develop from a type of white blood cell. It also helps determine whether a patient may benefit from CD20-targeted therapies.
The test itself is performed in a laboratory on tissue that has already been collected. Any discomfort is associated with the biopsy procedure used to obtain the tissue, not the staining or analysis steps. Your doctor will explain the biopsy process and what to expect before the procedure.
Results are typically available within 7 days at Lupin Diagnostics. Turnaround times can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the panel of markers being tested alongside CD20.
Yes. A positive CD20 result indicates that the cancer cells express the CD20 protein, which is the target of rituximab and similar monoclonal antibody therapies. Your oncologist will use this information as part of the broader treatment decision.
Yes. A small proportion of B-cell lymphomas do not express CD20. In such cases, doctors use other markers such as CD19, CD79a, and PAX-5 to confirm the diagnosis. A negative result does not automatically rule out B-cell lymphoma.
Anti-CD20 therapies like rituximab can cause tumour cells to lose CD20 expression over time. Studies suggest that CD20 expression loss at relapse occurs in roughly 10% to 40% of patients who received prior anti-CD20 therapy. This is one reason repeat testing may be recommended.
No. This test requires a tissue biopsy, which must be collected and processed by trained healthcare professionals at a diagnostic centre. Home collection is not available for this test.
IHC Marker-CD20 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
