IHC Marker - CD21 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - CD21 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD21 Immunostain, CR2 (Complement Receptor Type 2), C3d Receptor, EBV Receptor Marker |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders with suspected lymphoma, enlarged lymph nodes, or tumours requiring follicular dendritic cell evaluation |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - CD21 Test?
The CD21 test is a specialised immunohistochemistry (IHC) test that detects the CD21 protein in tissue samples. CD21 is found on follicular dendritic cells (specialised immune cells in lymph nodes) and certain B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Also known as the CD21 Immunostain or CR2 marker, this test is typically ordered when a doctor needs to evaluate lymph node tissue or other biopsy material for suspected blood cancers or lymphoid tumours. The sample used is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained from a prior biopsy or surgery.
What Does an IHC Marker - CD21 Test Measure?
The CD21 test procedure examines tissue sections under a microscope after applying a specific antibody that binds to the CD21 protein. It assesses the following:
| Parameter Assessed | What It Evaluates |
|---|---|
| CD21 Expression on Follicular Dendritic Cells (FDCs) | Detects CD21 staining on FDCs, which form a meshwork within germinal centres of lymphoid follicles |
| CD21 Expression on Mantle Zone B Lymphocytes | Identifies normal CD21 membrane positivity in a subset of B cells surrounding the germinal centre |
| Follicular Dendritic Cell Network Pattern | Evaluates the arrangement and extent of the CD21-positive meshwork to determine whether lymphoid tissue architecture is normal or disrupted |
Why is an IHC Marker - CD21 Test Done?
Doctors order the CD21 IHC test to evaluate tissue samples when certain lymphoma-related conditions are suspected. The test helps characterise the type and origin of abnormal cells in biopsy material.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test when a patient presents with one or more of the following:
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or armpits
- Unexplained or significant weight loss
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Unexplained, ongoing exhaustion or weakness
- Recurring or hard-to-treat infections, such as pneumonia
- Night sweats
- Fever of unknown origin
- Abdominal swelling or a feeling of fullness
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD21 immunostain is used to help identify or confirm several conditions:
- Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS), a rare tumour arising from FDCs
- Follicular lymphoma, particularly to confirm a follicular component in an otherwise diffuse lymphoma
- Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), where FDC meshworks expand outside follicles
- Marginal zone lymphoma, where CD21 helps distinguish it from follicular lymphoma
- Hodgkin lymphoma evaluation, where CD21-positive clusters help identify FDCs and related neoplasms
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No specific preparation is required for the CD21 test. However, there are a few practical steps to follow before submitting your sample.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Because the sample is a tissue block from a previous biopsy, no new blood draw or dietary restriction is needed.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind when submitting material for this test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Provide your original histopathology report and any relevant clinical or radiological information to assist the pathologist with interpretation
- Ensure the tissue block or slides are properly labelled with your full name and patient identification details
- Follow any specific instructions from your doctor regarding the submission of previous biopsy material
Step-by-Step Procedure
The CD21 test procedure uses tissue already obtained from a biopsy. Here is what happens after the sample reaches the laboratory:
- The FFPE tissue block (fixed and preserved tissue from your earlier biopsy) is received and verified in the laboratory.
- Thin sections of tissue, typically 4 to 5 microns thick, are cut and placed on positively charged glass slides.
- The sections are deparaffinised (wax is removed) and rehydrated to prepare them for staining.
- Antigen retrieval is performed, a process that exposes the CD21 protein so the antibody can bind to it.
- A primary antibody specific to CD21 is applied to the tissue, followed by secondary antibodies that amplify the staining signal.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and assesses the pattern, distribution, and extent of CD21 staining.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of this test:
- Quality of tissue fixation at the time of the original biopsy
- Proper antigen retrieval technique in the laboratory
- Use of appropriate positive and negative control slides
- Adequate tissue sample size in the biopsy block
Understanding Your IHC Marker - CD21 Test Results
Results from the CD21 IHC test are reported by a pathologist and should always be read alongside other clinical findings, imaging reports, and additional IHC markers. The table below outlines the general reference patterns used in interpretation.
| Parameter | Normal Finding | Abnormal Finding / Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| CD21 Staining Pattern | Positive staining in follicular dendritic cells with an organised meshwork confined to germinal centres | Expanded or disorganised CD21-positive meshwork extending beyond follicles may suggest Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma or Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma |
| Follicular Dendritic Cell (FDC) Network | Well-defined meshwork limited to normal follicular structures | Dense, sharply defined nodular FDC meshwork may indicate Follicular Lymphoma |
| CD21 Expression in the Mantle Zone | Membrane positivity in a subset of mantle zone B lymphocytes | Loss or abnormal distribution may indicate disruption of normal lymphoid architecture |
| CD21 Expression | Present in follicular dendritic cells and selected B-cell populations | Absence of CD21 expression may be seen in certain lymphomas, including Burkitt Lymphoma and precursor B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma |
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
Because this is a diagnostic test used for tumour characterisation rather than a routine wellness test, the following tips are general guidelines for those with a history of lymph node concerns:
- Attend regular medical check-ups if you have had persistent lymph node enlargement in the past
- Report new or returning symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fatigue to your doctor without delay
- Follow your oncologist's surveillance recommendations if you have been previously diagnosed with a lymphoma-related condition
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - CD21 Test Price
The CD21 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of your biopsy material through your doctor; home collection is not available for this test. The city-wise pricing table below provides indicative prices based on available data.
| 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
Follow these steps to book the CD21 test online or in person:
- Select the IHC Marker - CD21 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 biopsy material.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD21 IHC test is used to detect the CD21 protein in tissue samples obtained from a biopsy. It helps pathologists diagnose conditions such as follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, follicular lymphoma, and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma by examining the pattern of CD21-positive cells in lymphoid tissue.
No. This test uses tissue already collected during a previous biopsy or surgery. Your FFPE tissue block or unstained slides are submitted to the laboratory directly. You do not need any additional procedure specifically for the CD21 test.
No specific preparation is needed. You should, however, bring your clinical history, previous histopathology reports, and any relevant imaging or investigation records when submitting your sample, as this information is required for accurate interpretation.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically delivered within 3 days. Immunohistochemistry tests generally take longer than routine blood tests because they require careful laboratory processing and expert pathologist review.
A positive result means CD21-expressing cells are present in the tissue. The pattern matters as much as the presence: an abnormal or expanded meshwork outside normal germinal centres may point to conditions such as AITL or FDCS. Your pathologist will interpret the finding alongside other IHC markers and your clinical history.
No, the CD21 test home collection is not available. The sample is a tissue block from a biopsy, which must be obtained in a clinical or surgical setting. The IHC analysis is carried out in a specialised, NABL-accredited laboratory.
This test is primarily used for initial diagnosis and tumour classification, not for routine treatment monitoring. If you are undergoing treatment for a lymphoma-related condition, your oncologist will decide which follow-up investigations are appropriate for tracking your progress.
IHC Marker - CD21 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
