IHC Marker-CD23 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-CD23 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD23 Immunostain, CD23 IHC, Leu-20, FcεRII, FCER2 |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders when investigating suspected lymphoproliferative disorders |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-CD23 Test?
The IHC marker-CD23 test is a specialised immunohistochemistry examination performed on tissue samples. It detects the presence and distribution of the CD23 protein, also known as Leu-20 or the low-affinity IgE receptor, in tissue cells. Doctors order this test when investigating suspected lymphomas or other lymphoproliferative disorders (conditions involving abnormal growth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell). The sample used is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block obtained through a biopsy.
What Does an IHC Marker-CD23 Test Measure?
The IHC marker-CD23 test procedure evaluates whether specific cells in a tissue sample express the CD23 protein. The pathologist assesses the staining pattern, intensity, and distribution to support a diagnosis.
| Parameter | What it Shows |
|---|---|
| CD23 Protein Expression | Whether CD23 is present (positive) or absent (negative) on tissue cells |
| Staining Intensity | Classified as dim, moderate, or bright, indicating the level of protein expression |
| Staining Distribution | Which cell populations within the tissue are stained (e.g., follicular dendritic cells, B-lymphocytes) |
CD23 is a B-cell-specific antigen that plays a role in regulating IgE production and in the differentiation of B-cells. Its presence or absence, when assessed alongside other markers, helps classify the type of lymphoid condition present.
Why is an IHC Marker-CD23 Test Done?
The CD23 IHC test is a key part of the diagnostic workup for lymphoid tumours. It is always used alongside other immunohistochemistry markers rather than in isolation.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes that persist without a clear cause
- Unexplained, persistent fatigue
- Fever without an obvious infection
- Night sweats occurring frequently
- Unintended weight loss
- An enlarged spleen or liver detected on examination
- Recurrent infections suggesting an immune system problem
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker-CD23 test supports the diagnosis and classification of several conditions:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), where CD23 is typically positive alongside CD5 and CD19
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), which is typically CD23 negative, helping distinguish it from CLL/SLL
- Mediastinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, where CD23 positivity is seen in approximately 70% of cases
- Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL), where partial CD23 positivity helps differentiate it from marginal zone lymphoma
- Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, where CD23 is expressed together with CD21 and CD35
- Classical Hodgkin lymphoma, where CD23 expression assists in distinguishing it from mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on tissue rather than blood, the preparation steps differ from routine blood tests. Here is what you need to know before proceeding.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Dietary restrictions do not affect tissue samples or the immunohistochemistry process.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your tissue sample is collected:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any earlier diagnoses, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about any previous biopsies, since an existing tissue block may sometimes be used instead of a new procedure
- Let your doctor know about all current medications, particularly blood thinners, which may need to be paused before a biopsy
- Ask your doctor whether the tissue will be collected under local or general anaesthesia, so you can plan accordingly
- Arrange for someone to accompany you if a surgical biopsy is planned
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker-CD23 test procedure involves several steps from tissue collection to result:
- A surgeon or doctor collects a tissue sample through a biopsy, which may be a lymph node biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, or surgical excision, depending on the suspected site of disease.
- The tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to preserve its structure. Tissues are ideally fixed for 24 to 48 hours; over-fixation can affect the quality of the sample.
- The FFPE tissue block is delivered to the laboratory, where thin sections are cut and mounted onto glass slides.
- The slides are deparaffinised and rehydrated, then treated with a process called antigen retrieval to make the CD23 protein accessible to antibodies.
- CD23-specific antibodies are applied to the slides, followed by detection reagents that produce a visible colour change where the protein is present.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and reports the findings as part of an overall diagnostic assessment.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of the staining result:
- Quality of tissue fixation and the time between tissue collection and fixation
- Over-fixation or under-fixation of the tissue specimen
- Technical quality of antigen retrieval in the laboratory
- Antibody quality and specificity
- Pathologist's experience in interpreting immunohistochemistry panels
Understanding Your IHC Marker-CD23 Test Results
Results from the CD23 IHC test must always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist and your treating doctor. This test is never interpreted alone; it forms part of a panel of markers.
| Result | Typical Association |
|---|---|
| CD23 Positive (Bright) | Consistent with CLL/SLL when CD5 and CD19 are also positive |
| CD23 Positive (Dim) | Seen in approximately 61% of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma cases |
| CD23 Positive | Mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (approximately 70% of cases) |
| CD23 Negative | A characteristic of mantle cell lymphoma; also seen in marginal zone 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
CD23 expression in tissue is not influenced by lifestyle factors in the way that blood test parameters are. However, the following general wellness steps support overall health:
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support immune function
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking, which is associated with an increased risk of several lymphoid cancers
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-CD23 Test Price
The IHC marker-CD23 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of a tissue block through your treating doctor; 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
The IHC marker-CD23 test online booking process is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time, or arrange for your treating doctor to submit the FFPE tissue block directly to the laboratory.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker-CD23 test is used primarily to classify small B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, including lymphomas affecting the lymph nodes and blood. It helps pathologists distinguish between different types of lymphomas so that the right treatment plan can be recommended. CD23 is typically used as part of a diagnostic panel rather than alone.
No. The IHC marker-CD23 test is performed on a tissue sample, not blood. The tissue is obtained through a biopsy procedure and processed in the laboratory using immunohistochemistry techniques before being examined under a microscope.
CD23 is a useful marker for distinguishing chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) from mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). CLL/SLL is typically CD23 positive, while MCL is typically CD23 negative. This distinction matters because these conditions are managed differently by oncologists.
Reports for the IHC marker-CD23 test are typically delivered within 7 days. Immunohistochemistry requires several processing and staining steps, which means the turnaround time is longer than routine blood tests.
No. A tissue biopsy must be performed by a qualified doctor or surgeon in a clinical setting. The collected tissue block is then sent to the laboratory for processing. Home collection is not applicable for this type of test.
CD23 is rarely used alone. A standard diagnostic panel for lymphoma classification typically includes markers such as CD3, CD5, CD10, CD20, CD23, and cyclin D1. Together, these markers give a complete picture of the tumour's cell type and help guide further management.
A positive result means CD23 protein is present in the tissue examined. It does not, by itself, confirm a diagnosis. Your pathologist and treating doctor will interpret the CD23 result alongside other markers, your clinical history, and imaging findings before arriving at a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with your doctor.
IHC Marker-CD23 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
