IHC Marker-CD3 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-CD3 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD3 Immunostain, CD3 Immunohistochemical Stain, Cluster of Differentiation 3 IHC, T-Cell Marker IHC |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No. The test is performed on preserved tissue, not blood or body fluids |
| Report Time | 7 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; typically ordered when lymphoma or a blood cancer is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-CD3 Test?
The IHC marker-CD3 test is an immunohistochemistry test that detects the CD3 protein on cells in a tissue sample. CD3 is a protein found on the surface of T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in immunity. Doctors order this test to determine whether suspicious cells in a tissue biopsy are of T-cell origin.
The test is also known as the CD3 Immunostain or T-Cell Marker IHC. The sample used is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained from a biopsy or surgical procedure.
What Does an IHC Marker-CD3 Test Measure?
The IHC marker CD3 test procedure uses anti-CD3 antibodies on thin sections of preserved tissue. The test detects the following:
| Component | What it Indicates |
|---|---|
| CD3 Protein (Cluster of Differentiation 3) | Presence of T-lymphocytes or activated natural killer (NK) cells in the tissue |
| Staining Pattern (Membranous) | Confirms T-cell identity at the cell surface |
| Staining Distribution | Helps assess the extent and location of T-cells within the tissue |
Why is an IHC Marker-CD3 Test Done?
This test is a key tool for classifying blood cancers and investigating tissue abnormalities. A pathologist uses it alongside other markers to reach a diagnosis.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with certain signs. Here are common symptoms that can prompt this investigation:
- Unexplained swollen lymph nodes that persist for weeks
- Persistent fatigue without an obvious cause
- Unintended weight loss
- Recurrent fevers or night sweats
- Skin lesions or unusual lumps
- Suspected blood cancer identified through earlier tests
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD3 Immunostain assists in identifying or ruling out several conditions:
- T-cell lymphomas, including T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)
- T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Natural killer (NK) cell lymphoma
- Hodgkin lymphoma subclassification
- B-cell lymphoma (CD3-negative result helps rule out T-cell origin)
- Inflammatory conditions where the presence of T cells needs to be assessed
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test uses a tissue biopsy sample, no blood draw is required. Preparation focuses on ensuring the tissue sample is collected and handled correctly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The IHC marker-CD3 test is performed on preserved tissue, not on blood, urine, or any body fluid affected by food intake.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Proper sample handling greatly affects the quality of the result. 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
- Tell your doctor about any chemotherapy or radiation therapy you have received, as these can alter protein expression in tissue
- Ensure the biopsy specimen is promptly placed in the correct fixative solution to prevent tissue degradation
- Minimise delays between the biopsy procedure and laboratory dispatch of the sample
- Confirm with your doctor which FFPE tissue block or unstained slides are required for submission
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A tissue biopsy specimen is obtained by a doctor during a surgical or minimally invasive procedure at a clinical centre.
- The tissue is fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to create a stable FFPE block.
- Thin sections (approximately 4-5 microns thick) are cut from the block and placed on specially coated glass slides.
- The slides undergo antigen retrieval, a process that exposes the CD3 protein so that the antibody can detect it accurately.
- Anti-CD3 antibodies are applied to the tissue sections. A detection reagent then produces a visible brown colour wherever CD3 is present.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and prepares a report based on the staining pattern.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of staining results:
- Delayed fixation or improper preservation of the tissue after biopsy
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can reduce or alter protein expression
- Very small tissue samples that provide limited material for analysis
- Older or degraded tissue blocks, which may show inconsistent staining
- Technical variables such as antibody quality and laboratory equipment calibration
Understanding Your IHC Marker-CD3 Test Results
Results from the IHC marker-CD3 test are qualitative, meaning they are reported as positive or negative rather than as a number. A pathologist interprets the staining pattern in the context of the full clinical picture.
| Result | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive (CD3+) | T cells present; may indicate T-cell lymphoma, reactive T-cells, or NK cell involvement |
| Negative (CD3-) | T cells absent or non-T-cell lineage; consistent with B-cell lymphoma or other non-T-cell conditions |
Disclaimer: 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 affect how CD3 staining appears:
- Previous cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can modify protein expression in tissue, which may alter staining intensity.
- In rare B-cell neoplasms with plasmablastic features, cells may unexpectedly stain for CD3, creating diagnostic challenges.
- In some cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), CD3 expression may be reduced or absent even though the cancer is of T-cell origin.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test does not produce numerical values, supporting immune health is always worthwhile:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to support healthy immune function
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight
- Attend routine health check-ups if you have a family history of lymphoma or blood cancers, and report persistent symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes or unexplained weight loss to your doctor promptly
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-CD3 Test Price
The IHC marker-CD3 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for tissue biopsy-based tests.
| 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 test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker-CD3 test is used to identify T-cells in tissue samples and classify blood cancers such as T-cell lymphomas and leukaemias. It helps pathologists determine whether abnormal cells in a biopsy are of T-cell origin, which guides further diagnosis and treatment planning.
A biopsy specimen is taken from the suspicious tissue during a surgical or minimally invasive procedure at a clinical centre. The tissue is then fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and submitted to the laboratory as an FFPE block for processing.
No. The IHC marker-CD3 test requires a preserved tissue biopsy specimen, which must be obtained in a clinical setting. Home sample collection is not available for this test.
The report turnaround time at Lupin Diagnostics is 7 days from the date the laboratory receives the specimen. This allows sufficient time for tissue processing, staining, and pathologist review.
A positive CD3 result confirms the presence of T-cells or CD3-expressing NK cells in the tissue. In cancer diagnosis, this finding supports a T-cell origin for the detected abnormality. The result must always be interpreted alongside other IHC markers and the patient's full clinical history.
Yes. T-cell lymphomas are typically CD3-positive, whereas B-cell lymphomas are usually CD3-negative and CD20-positive. Using CD3 alongside other markers such as CD20 allows pathologists to classify lymphomas accurately.
This test is primarily a diagnostic tool for the initial classification of lymphomas and blood cancers rather than a routine monitoring test. Your doctor will advise whether repeat testing on additional specimens is needed based on your clinical situation.
IHC Marker-CD3 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
