IHC Marker - CD38 Test
About IHC Marker - CD38 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD38 Immunostain, CD38 IHC, Cluster of Differentiation 38 IHC, CD38 Immunohistochemistry |
| Sample Type | Tissue (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded block) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of all ages; typically ordered by oncologists or haematologists |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - CD38 Test?
The IHC marker - CD38 Test detects the CD38 protein in tissue samples using a laboratory technique called immunohistochemistry. CD38 (cluster of differentiation 38) is a protein found on the surface of several cell types, including plasma cells and immune cells. Oncologists and haematologists order this test to support the diagnosis of blood cancers and related disorders. It is also known as CD38 Immunostain or CD38 Immunohistochemistry.
What Does an IHC Marker - CD38 Test Measure?
The IHC marker - CD38 test examines a tissue sample to assess CD38 protein expression. A pathologist reviews the stained tissue slides and reports findings across three key areas.
| Parameter | What it Shows |
|---|---|
| CD38 Expression | Whether the protein is present (positive) or absent (negative) in the tissue |
| Intensity Score | How strongly CD38 is expressed, reported as 0, 1+, 2+, or 3+ |
| Percentage of Positive Cells | The proportion of cells showing CD38 expression, often reported with a cut-off of 20% or more considered high |
Why is an IHC Marker - CD38 Test Done?
A doctor may order the IHC Marker - CD38 test when a patient shows signs of a blood cancer or plasma cell disorder. It also plays a role in guiding treatment decisions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test. These include:
- Unexplained fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Recurrent or frequent infections
- Bone pain, particularly in the back or ribs
- Unexplained weight loss
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Abnormal blood counts detected on routine tests
- Easy bruising or bleeding
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD38 IHC test can assist in identifying a range of conditions. These include:
- Multiple myeloma (a blood cancer affecting plasma cells)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), where high CD38 expression is linked to a less favourable outlook
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), including B and T cell types
- Some cases of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
- Lymphoproliferative disorders (conditions where lymphocytes grow excessively)
- Predicting response to anti-CD38 targeted therapies such as daratumumab
IHC Marker - CD38 Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The CD38 IHC test is useful for monitoring patients already receiving treatment for multiple myeloma and related conditions. CD38 expression can fade or weaken in plasma cells following chemotherapy, which is important information when assessing treatment response. Oncologists may use repeat testing to detect early signs of treatment resistance or to plan subsequent therapy.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the IHC marker - CD38 test is performed on tissue that has already been collected via biopsy, patient preparation at the time of IHC testing is straightforward.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The test is carried out on a tissue block obtained through a prior biopsy procedure, so there are no dietary restrictions.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure the process goes smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Ensure your biopsy tissue has been properly preserved in formalin within the recommended timeframes
- Inform your doctor about any prior cancer treatments, including chemotherapy or radiation, as these can affect CD38 expression in the tissue
- Confirm that the tissue block or slides are clearly labelled with your specimen ID before submission
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the tissue sample is processed for the CD38 IHC test procedure:
- Tissue obtained from a biopsy is fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin to create an FFPE block.
- Thin sections (3 to 5 microns thick) are cut from the block and mounted onto glass slides.
- A specific primary antibody is applied to the tissue to bind to the CD38 protein, followed by a secondary antibody and an enzyme complex.
- A chromogenic substrate is added. Where CD38 is present, a visible colour reaction appears at the antigen site.
- The slide is counterstained, and a coverslip is applied to preserve the sample.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides and interprets the results in the context of your clinical history and other diagnostic findings.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of results. These include:
- Improper tissue fixation or delays in sample processing after biopsy
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can modify CD38 protein expression
- The age and type of tissue submitted
- Technical factors such as antibody quality, equipment calibration, and laboratory procedures
Understanding Your IHC Marker - CD38 Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed with the doctor who ordered the test. A pathologist interprets the stained slides and prepares a report that your treating doctor will discuss with you.
| Parameter | Findings | Possible Significance |
|---|---|---|
| CD38 Expression | Positive | May indicate plasma cell disorder, myeloma, or certain leukaemias |
| CD38 Expression | Negative | May indicate CD38-negative myeloma, haematopoietic stem cells, or possible treatment-related loss |
| Intensity Score | 2+ to 3+ | Suggests strong CD38 expression |
| Percentage Positive | 20% or more | Considered high; associated with more aggressive disease in CLL |
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
Prior treatment can affect how results appear. CD38 expression may fade or weaken in plasma cells following chemotherapy, making the marker less prominent than others, such as CD138. In patients who have previously received anti-CD38 therapy, CD38 expression may gradually recover after stopping treatment, though not to pre-treatment levels.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
CD38 is a specialised cancer diagnostic marker, not a wellness measure. General steps that support overall health during cancer care include:
- Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments with your haematologist or oncologist
- Maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration as advised by your care team
- Following your prescribed treatment plan and reporting any new symptoms promptly
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - CD38 Test Price
The IHC marker - CD38 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-based tests.
| 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
Follow these steps to book your IHC marker - CD38 test online:
- 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 - CD38 test detects CD38 protein expression in tissue samples. It is primarily used to diagnose multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, and other plasma cell or lymphoproliferative disorders. It also helps doctors predict whether a patient may respond to anti-CD38 targeted therapies.
The sample is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a biopsy performed before the IHC test. The tissue block is submitted to the laboratory, where thin sections are cut and stained for analysis. No additional sample collection is needed from the patient at the time of testing.
No fasting or special preparation is required for the CD38 IHC test. However, you should bring a detailed clinical history to your appointment, as this is required for accurate interpretation of results. Inform your doctor about any recent cancer treatments before submitting the sample.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 3 days. Turnaround time may vary slightly depending on the complexity of the case and the pathologist's review.
CD38 is a protein that is highly expressed on myeloma cells. Testing for its presence helps confirm diagnosis and also indicates whether a patient may respond to anti-CD38 antibody treatments. Monitoring CD38 levels over time can also signal early treatment resistance.
Yes. CD38 expression can weaken in plasma cells following chemotherapy. This is why clinical history is important when interpreting results. In some patients who have received anti-CD38 therapy, expression may partially recover after treatment is stopped.
No, home collection is not available for this test. The sample required is a tissue block from a biopsy, which must be obtained and handled at a medical facility before being submitted to a Lupin Diagnostics centre for processing.
IHC Marker - CD38 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
