IHC Marker - CD56 Test
About IHC Marker - CD56 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD56 Immunostain, CD56 IHC, NCAM IHC, CD56 Immunohistochemistry |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; primarily for patients with suspected tumours requiring pathological classification |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - CD56 Test?
The IHC marker - CD56 Test is a specialised pathology test that detects the presence of a protein called CD56 (also known as NCAM, or Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule) in tissue samples. This protein is found naturally on nerve cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and neuroendocrine tissues. A pathologist uses this test to help classify tumours and guide further treatment decisions. It is also referred to as the CD56 immunostain or CD56 IHC test.
What Does an IHC Marker - CD56 Test Measure?
The IHC marker - CD56 test identifies whether CD56 protein is present in a tissue sample and, if so, how strongly it is expressed. Below are the key aspects the test evaluates.
| Component | What it Tells the Pathologist |
|---|---|
| CD56 Expression (Positive or Negative) | Whether the CD56 protein is present in the tissue |
| Staining Intensity | How strongly the protein is expressed (weak, moderate, or strong) |
| Staining Pattern | Which cells within the tissue are expressing CD56 |
| NCAM Isoforms | The protein exists in three forms encoded by a single gene on chromosome 11 |
Results are reported qualitatively, meaning as positive or negative with a description of intensity and pattern, rather than as a numerical value.
Why is an IHC Marker - CD56 Test Done?
Doctors order this test when tissue analysis is needed to characterise a suspected tumour or identify its cell of origin.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A treating clinician may request this test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Unexplained or unintended weight loss
- Persistently enlarged lymph nodes
- Unusual fatigue lasting several weeks
- Bone pain without a clear cause
- Night sweats and recurring fevers
- A persistent cough with no known reason
- Neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD56 IHC test can support the identification of several conditions, including:
- Neuroendocrine tumours, including small cell lung carcinoma
- NK/T-cell lymphomas (blood cancers involving natural killer cells)
- Multiple myeloma (a cancer affecting plasma cells in bone marrow)
- Carcinoid tumours and paragangliomas
- Neuroblastoma and Wilms' tumour (childhood cancers)
- Astrocytoma (a brain tumour) and schwannoma (a nerve sheath tumour)
- Rhabdomyosarcoma (a muscle cancer)
- Thyroid lesions, where loss of CD56 expression may suggest malignancy
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on previously collected tissue rather than a fresh blood sample, the preparation steps are different from routine blood tests.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the IHC marker - CD56 test. The test is carried out on a tissue block that has already been collected and preserved, so there are no dietary restrictions before submitting the sample.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before submitting your sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Provide your original histopathology report and any relevant radiology findings.
- Inform your doctor about all current medications and your complete medical background.
- Confirm with your oncologist or pathologist what specific clinical question this test is intended to answer.
- Ensure the biopsy tissue has been properly collected and preserved before submission.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The CD56 immunohistochemistry process involves several steps carried out by clinical and laboratory teams:
- A tissue sample is collected by your treating doctor through a biopsy, surgical excision, or bone marrow aspiration.
- The tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to create the FFPE tissue block, which preserves it for analysis.
- The block is cut into very thin slices (approximately 3 to 4 micrometres) and placed onto glass slides.
- The slides are treated with CD56 antibodies that bind to the target protein. A coloured dye or enzyme marker makes the protein visible.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, documenting whether CD56 is present, absent, or partially expressed.
- The final report, including staining intensity and pattern, is prepared and delivered within the turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliably the test performs:
- Fixation time in formalin: too little or too much fixation can prevent antibodies from binding correctly
- Age of the paraffin section: sections older than six weeks may show reduced immunoreactivity
- Quality of tissue sampling and the technique used during biopsy
- Proper embedding and sectioning during laboratory processing
- Antibody quality and storage conditions in the laboratory
Understanding Your IHC Marker - CD56 Test Results
Results from the CD56 IHC test must always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist alongside your full clinical picture. The table below provides a general guide to how results are interpreted.
| Result | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| CD56 Positive (strong) | May suggest a neuroendocrine tumour, NK/T-cell lymphoma, or multiple myeloma |
| CD56 Positive (focal or weak) | The pathologist will assess in the context of other markers and clinical data |
| CD56 Negative | Absence of CD56 expression; in thyroid lesions, may indicate a higher risk of malignancy |
| Normal tissue staining | NK cells, neurons, and neuroendocrine cells normally express CD56 |
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
Because the CD56 IHC test is a tumour marker test, no dietary or lifestyle changes can directly influence its results. General well-being tips include:
- Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled by your oncologist or treating specialist.
- Maintain open communication with your healthcare team about any new or changing symptoms.
- Support your overall health through a balanced diet, regular activity, and adequate rest.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - CD56 Test Price
The IHC marker - CD56 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; 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
Follow these steps to book your IHC Marker - CD56 test online with Lupin Diagnostics:
- 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.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD56 IHC test is used primarily to identify tumours with neuroendocrine differentiation, such as small cell lung carcinoma, and to help classify NK/T-cell lymphomas. Pathologists also use it to support the diagnosis of multiple myeloma and several other tumour types. It is typically part of a broader panel of immunohistochemistry markers.
No. The IHC marker - CD56 test procedure requires a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue block, which is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by your treating doctor. It is not a blood test.
No fasting is needed. Since the test is carried out on tissue that has already been collected and preserved, there are no dietary restrictions related to this test.
The report turnaround time at Lupin Diagnostics is 7 days. This allows time for tissue processing, staining, microscopic examination, and pathologist interpretation.
In thyroid lesions, the loss of CD56 expression is notably more common in malignant tumours, such as papillary thyroid carcinoma, than in benign conditions. This makes it a useful supporting marker in thyroid pathology. However, results are always interpreted alongside other clinical and pathological information.
No. CD56 is a highly sensitive marker for neuroendocrine tumours but has low specificity, meaning it can be positive in many different tumour types. For this reason, pathologists always use it as part of a panel alongside other markers such as chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD57.
The CD56 immunostain is commonly used in combination with other neuroendocrine markers, including chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CD57 (Leu-7), and neurone-specific enolase. Using a panel of markers gives the pathologist a more accurate picture of the tumour type and helps guide clinical decision-making.
IHC Marker - CD56 Test
