IHC Marker - CD34 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - CD34 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD34 Immunostain, CD34 IHC, CD34 Immunohistochemistry, Cluster of Differentiation 34 |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages when tumour characterisation is required |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - CD34 Test?
The IHC marker - CD34 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the CD34 protein in tissue samples using a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC uses specific antibodies to identify proteins within tissue, helping pathologists determine the nature and origin of abnormal cells. Also known as CD34 Immunostain or CD34 IHC, this test is ordered by oncologists and pathologists when a tumour biopsy requires further characterisation. The sample used is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a prior biopsy or surgical procedure.
What Does an IHC Marker - CD34 Test Measure?
The IHC marker - CD34 test detects the presence and distribution of the CD34 protein within tissue. CD34 is a glycoprotein (a protein with sugar molecules attached) found on the surface of certain cells. The following explains what CD34 expression reveals in different tissue contexts.
| Component | What it Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CD34 in vascular endothelial cells | Confirms normal blood vessel lining; acts as an internal control in the test |
| CD34 in haematopoietic progenitor cells | Indicates immature blood-forming (stem) cells; used to identify blast cells in leukaemia |
| CD34 in soft tissue tumours | Helps identify tumour types such as GISTs, solitary fibrous tumours, and sarcomas |
| CD34 in liver tissue | Helps distinguish hepatocellular carcinoma from benign liver conditions |
The result is qualitative, meaning it is reported as either positive (protein detected) or negative (protein not detected), rather than a numerical value.
Why is an IHC Marker - CD34 Test Done?
This test is ordered when a pathologist or oncologist needs to identify the type or origin of abnormal cells in a tissue sample. It forms part of a broader diagnostic panel and is not used alone to confirm a diagnosis.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test after a biopsy has been taken in connection with one or more of the following symptoms:
- An unexplained mass or lump in any part of the body
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or persistent abdominal discomfort
- A skin nodule or unusual growth
- Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
- Bone pain without a clear cause
- Symptoms suggesting a possible blood cancer, such as recurrent infections or bruising
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD34 IHC test helps pathologists identify or differentiate a range of conditions. These include:
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and B-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs)
- Solitary fibrous tumours
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), a type of skin tumour
- Angiosarcoma and other vascular tumours
- Spindle cell lipomas and epithelioid sarcomas
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (a group of bone marrow disorders)
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), distinguished from focal nodular hyperplasia
IHC Marker - CD34 Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The IHC marker - CD34 test may be used to track treatment response in patients with haematopoietic or endothelial tumours. In conditions such as leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, the presence and proportion of CD34-positive blast cells can indicate how the disease is progressing. The frequency of repeat testing is decided by the treating oncologist based on the individual's clinical situation.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for the IHC marker - CD34 test itself. The tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure, which may already have been performed before this test is ordered.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. There are no dietary restrictions before the biopsy or before submitting the tissue block to the laboratory.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind when arranging this test:
- 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 all medications you are currently taking, particularly blood thinners
- If you have a bleeding disorder, discuss this with your doctor before any biopsy procedure is scheduled
- The tissue block or slides should be transported at ambient temperature (18 to 28°C) and submitted promptly
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by your healthcare provider in a clinical setting.
- The sample is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to create an FFPE tissue block, which is the required specimen for this test.
- Thin sections are cut from the tissue block and placed on glass slides.
- The slides are treated with a CD34-specific antibody. If CD34 protein is present in the cells, the antibody binds to it and produces a visible stain.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, assessing which cells show CD34 expression and in what pattern.
- A written report is prepared, noting whether the result is positive or negative, and providing an interpretation in the context of the clinical information supplied.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several technical and clinical factors may influence the reliability of the staining result:
- Improper or prolonged tissue fixation can alter protein preservation and affect staining
- Paraffin sections older than six weeks may show reduced antibody reactivity
- Tissue necrosis or inflammation within the sample can produce inconsistent staining
- The quality and surface chemistry of the glass slides used can affect how evenly the stain adheres
- An incomplete or missing clinical history may limit the pathologist's ability to interpret the result accurately
Understanding Your IHC Marker - CD34 Test Results
Results from the CD34 IHC test must always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist alongside full clinical information. The table below provides general guidance on what different findings may suggest.
| Finding | Possible Significance |
|---|---|
| Positive in the vascular endothelium | Normal internal control; expected in all tissue types |
| Strongly positive in tumour cells | May suggest AML, GIST, solitary fibrous tumour, DFSP, or angiosarcoma |
| Positive in sinusoidal spaces (liver) | May suggest hepatocellular carcinoma |
| Increased CD34+ blasts in marrow | May indicate myelodysplastic syndrome or acute leukaemia |
| Negative in tumour cells | May suggest fibrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, mesothelioma, or benign fibrous histiocytoma |
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 conditions can affect how results are interpreted:
- In bone marrow samples, haemodilution (where the sample becomes diluted with blood) or low cell density may affect the accuracy of blast counts.
- CD34 expression may be absent in up to 50% of newly diagnosed AML cases, meaning a negative result does not rule out leukaemia.
- Tissue necrosis or improper fixation can cause staining artefacts that complicate interpretation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a diagnostic and monitoring test rather than a screening tool, standard lifestyle targets do not apply in the usual sense. General guidance includes:
- Follow your oncologist's instructions regarding the timing and frequency of follow-up testing
- Attend all scheduled clinical reviews so that results are assessed in the right context
- Maintain general well-being through a balanced diet and regular health check-ups as advised by your doctor
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - CD34 Test Price
The IHC marker - CD34 test is available at Lupin Diagnostics centres, starting at ₹1,920. As this test requires a tissue block obtained through a biopsy procedure, home collection is not available. Submission of the FFPE tissue block must be made at a Lupin Diagnostics centre.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
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 to submit your FFPE tissue block along with your clinical history.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD34 IHC test helps identify the type and origin of abnormal cells in a tissue sample. It is commonly used to characterise tumours of vascular or blood-forming origin, including certain leukaemias, GISTs, and soft tissue sarcomas. It forms part of a broader diagnostic panel rather than being used in isolation.
The tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by your healthcare provider. This step is carried out in a clinical setting before the test is ordered. The resulting FFPE tissue block is then submitted to the laboratory for staining and analysis.
No special dietary or lifestyle preparation is required. However, you must bring a detailed clinical history, including symptoms, prior test results, and any previous diagnoses, as this is a mandatory requirement for the IHC marker - CD34 test procedure. Inform your doctor about any medications or bleeding conditions beforehand.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report for the IHC marker - CD34 test is delivered within 7 days of the laboratory receiving the tissue sample. Turnaround times can vary depending on sample quality and workload.
A positive result means that the CD34 protein was detected in the tissue sample. Depending on the location and pattern of staining, this may suggest the presence of certain tumours, including leukaemic blast cells, GISTs, or vascular tumours. Interpretation always requires a clinical context and is made by a qualified pathologist.
No. The CD34 IHC test is one marker within a diagnostic panel. It provides supportive information but cannot confirm or rule out cancer by itself. A final diagnosis requires correlation with other IHC markers, clinical findings, imaging, and additional laboratory tests.
Coverage depends on your individual insurance policy and the clinical indication documented by your doctor. It is advisable to check with your insurer and provide the relevant prescription or clinical notes when making a claim.
IHC Marker - CD34 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
