IHC Marker - CD4 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - CD4 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IHC CD4, CD4 Immunostain, CD4 Immunohistochemistry, Immunohistochemistry CD4 Marker |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No — this test is performed on a tissue sample, not a blood sample |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; primarily ordered when investigating suspected lymphoma, skin disorders, or tumours of unknown origin |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - CD4 Test?
The IHC marker - CD4 test is a specialised pathology test that detects the CD4 protein in tissue samples using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC uses antibodies to identify specific proteins within tissue sections under a microscope. The test is requested by doctors when they need to classify a tumour, investigate a suspected lymphoma, or understand the immune activity within a tissue sample. It is also known as the CD4 Immunostain or CD4 Immunohistochemistry test.
What Does an IHC Marker - CD4 Test Measure?
The IHC CD4 test examines tissue for the presence and distribution of the CD4 protein. Here is what the test looks at:
| Parameter | What it Shows |
|---|---|
| CD4 protein expression | Whether CD4-positive cells are present in the tissue, reported as positive or negative, with an assessment of staining intensity and pattern |
| CD4:CD8 ratio (in tissue) | The balance between CD4 and CD8 cells; approximately 2:1 in normal lymphoid tissue |
CD4 is a glycoprotein (a protein with sugar molecules attached) found on the surface of T helper cells, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. These are all important components of the immune system. Identifying their presence in tissue helps pathologists determine the origin and nature of abnormal cells.
Why is an IHC Marker - CD4 Test Done?
Doctors order the IHC marker - CD4 test to investigate unusual findings in tissue samples. The results help classify cell types and guide further management.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a tissue biopsy followed by CD4 immunostaining:
- Persistent skin patches or plaques that do not respond to standard treatment
- Unexplained skin rashes lasting several weeks
- Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes
- Suspected tumour of unclear origin
- Unexplained weight loss alongside other symptoms
- Recurrent or unusual infections suggesting immune dysfunction
- Abnormal cells found on an initial biopsy requiring further classification
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test supports the diagnosis of several conditions affecting the immune system and lymphoid tissue:
- Mycosis fungoides, a form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (a skin cancer arising from T cells)
- Haematolymphoid neoplasms (cancers of the blood and lymph tissue), particularly to confirm T-cell or histiocytic origin
- Sézary syndrome, a related T-cell lymphoma affecting the skin and blood
- Follicular helper T-cell lymphoma of the angioimmunoblastic type
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare disorder involving abnormal immune cells
- Poorly differentiated tumours, where the cell of origin needs to be identified
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the IHC marker - CD4 test procedure is performed on tissue rather than blood, preparation is centred on the biopsy that your doctor arranges. A detailed clinical history is required for this test, so please bring relevant medical records, previous test results, and a summary of your symptoms to your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test itself, as it is conducted on a tissue sample. However, depending on where the biopsy needs to be taken from, your doctor may ask you to avoid food or drink before the procedure. Follow your doctor's specific instructions.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your biopsy appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin or warfarin, as these may need to be paused before the biopsy
- Mention any allergies or existing health conditions to the medical team
- If you have a family history of cancer or immune disorders, share this with your doctor, as it helps the pathologist interpret the staining results accurately
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens from biopsy to result:
- Your doctor identifies the area from which tissue needs to be collected and explains the biopsy procedure, which may involve local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia, depending on the site and size of the sample.
- A small piece of tissue is removed by biopsy or surgery and placed in a formalin solution to preserve its structure; this creates the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block used for testing.
- The tissue block is transported to the pathology laboratory at ambient temperature and processed by the laboratory team.
- In the lab, antigen retrieval is performed to expose the CD4 protein, followed by a blocking step to reduce background staining and improve accuracy.
- The tissue section is stained with a CD4-specific antibody, which attaches to CD4-positive cells and makes them visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slide, assessing the amount, pattern, and location of staining, and prepares a written report with their interpretation.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Quality of the tissue sample collected during biopsy
- Proper fixation time in formalin before the block is prepared
- Quality of the antibody used in the laboratory
- Adherence to standardised laboratory procedures
- Experience and expertise of the pathologist interpreting the slide
Understanding Your IHC Marker - CD4 Test Results
Results from the IHC marker - CD4 test are qualitative and require expert interpretation. A pathologist assesses the staining pattern and writes a report that your doctor will discuss with you.
| Parameter | Normal Finding | Possible Abnormal Finding |
|---|---|---|
| CD4 expression | Positive staining in expected immune cell populations; appropriate distribution in lymphoid tissue | Abnormally strong or widespread positivity suggesting T-cell lymphoma; absent staining suggesting non-T-cell tumour origin |
| CD4:CD8 ratio (tissue) | Approximately 2:1 in normal lymphoid tissue | Ratio significantly altered; in inflammatory skin conditions, values from 1.0 to 6.0 have been reported |
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
While this test assesses tissue-level immune cell activity rather than a number you can directly control, supporting your overall immune health is beneficial:
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals to support immune function
- Engage in regular moderate physical activity to help maintain a healthy immune system
- Attend all follow-up appointments recommended by your doctor and report any new or worsening symptoms promptly
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - CD4 Test Price
The IHC marker - CD4 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or your treating hospital; home collection is not available for this test, as the tissue sample must be collected by a qualified healthcare provider in a clinical setting.
| 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 IHC marker - CD4 test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission; your tissue sample must be collected by your treating doctor before submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - CD4 test detects the CD4 protein in tissue sections using antibodies. It provides critical information about the immune cells present in a tissue sample and is used primarily to classify lymphomas, identify the origin of tumours, and investigate suspected immune disorders.
The tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy arranged by your doctor. The procedure may involve local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia depending on the biopsy site. Your doctor will explain exactly what to expect before the procedure.
No, these are two different tests. The IHC CD4 test examines CD4 protein expression in a tissue sample under a microscope. A CD4 blood count, by contrast, measures the number of CD4-positive T cells circulating in the blood and is used to monitor HIV infection. The two tests serve entirely different purposes.
The IHC marker - CD4 test report is typically available within 7 days. Processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of additional stains the pathologist requires.
The test is particularly useful in diagnosing T-cell lymphomas, including mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. It is also used to confirm T-cell or histiocytic origin in haematolymphoid neoplasms (cancers of the blood and lymph tissue) and to classify poorly differentiated tumours.
No. The IHC marker - CD4 test home collection option is not available because the test requires a tissue biopsy, which must be performed by a trained healthcare provider in a clinical setting. The collected tissue is then processed in a specialised pathology laboratory.
Yes. Because this test is performed on a biopsy sample, it requires a referring doctor who will arrange the tissue collection and provide the clinical history needed for accurate interpretation. Self-referral without a clinical context is not appropriate for this test.
IHC Marker - CD4 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
