IHC Marker - CD57 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - CD57 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD57 Immunostain, Leu-7, HNK-1 (Human Natural Killer-1), CD57 IHC |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; ordered by a pathologist based on clinical findings |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - CD57 Test?
The IHC marker - CD57 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of the CD57 antigen in tissue samples using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC). In simple terms, the test uses a specially designed antibody to locate and highlight specific cells in a tissue sample. It is also known as the CD57 Immunostain, Leu-7, or HNK-1 test. Doctors typically order this test when a biopsy or surgical sample needs to be examined more closely to identify the nature of abnormal cells.
What Does an IHC Marker - CD57 Test Measure?
The IHC marker - CD57 test detects the CD57 antigen on cells within a tissue sample. CD57 is a surface marker found on specific immune cells and certain tumour cells. The table below explains what the test looks for and why it matters.
| What is Measured | What it Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CD57 antigen expression | Identifies whether CD57-positive cells are present in the tissue |
| Natural killer (NK) cells | Immune cells that attack abnormal cells; normally express CD57 |
| Neuroectodermal tumour cells | Cells from tumours that arise from nerve-related tissue during development |
| Follicular T helper cells | Immune cells in lymph nodes that help the body make antibodies |
Results are reported as positive (CD57 antigen detected) or negative (not detected), along with a description of staining intensity and the proportion of cells that stained positive.
Why is an IHC Marker - CD57 Test Done?
The CD57 IHC test is used to characterise tissue samples more precisely after a biopsy. It helps pathologists identify the type and origin of abnormal cells, which guides further clinical decisions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor or pathologist may order this test when a patient presents with certain findings. Common reasons include:
- An unexplained mass or lump detected on imaging
- Abnormal biopsy findings that need further examination
- Suspected lymphoma or leukaemia
- Suspected neuroendocrine tumour
- Abnormal lymphocyte counts on a blood test
- Chronic fatigue with suspected immune dysfunction
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD57 immunostain can help identify or support the diagnosis of the following conditions:
- T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukaemia, a slow-growing blood cancer
- Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL)
- NK-cell lymphoma (cancer of natural killer cells)
- Small cell lung carcinoma and carcinoid tumours (neuroendocrine tumours)
- Adenocarcinoma of the prostate (high-grade)
- Thyroid carcinoma
- Medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumour
- Nerve sheath tumours
- Some autoimmune conditions and chronic infections associated with low CD57-positive cell counts
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC marker - CD57 test is performed on a tissue sample that is already collected. No special patient preparation is needed before the laboratory analysis. However, there are a few practical steps to follow.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The analysis is carried out on a tissue block obtained via biopsy or surgery, not on a blood or urine sample collected on the day of the test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Please keep the following in mind when arranging this test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Provide the original histopathology report along with all relevant radiological details
- Ensure the tissue sample has been properly fixed in formalin and preserved in a paraffin block before submission
- Inform the pathologist of the suspected diagnosis so results can be interpreted in the correct clinical context
- The referring doctor typically arranges the biopsy or surgical collection before submitting the sample for this test
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens from tissue collection to report delivery:
- A tissue sample is collected by a doctor via biopsy or surgical excision in a clinical setting.
- The collected tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin to create an FFPE tissue block.
- The block is submitted to the laboratory at ambient temperature (18°C to 28°C).
- In the lab, thin slices of the tissue are cut and placed on glass slides, then incubated with an antibody that binds specifically to CD57.
- If CD57 is present, the antibody attaches to it and produces a visible colour change that can be seen under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides and prepares a report, which is delivered within the stipulated timeframe.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of the test result. These include:
- Poor quality of tissue fixation at the time of biopsy
- Age of the cut paraffin section, as older sections may show reduced immunoreactivity
- Technical issues during the staining process
- Improper storage of the tissue block before submission
Understanding Your IHC Marker - CD57 Test Results
Results from the CD57 IHC test are qualitative, meaning they are reported as positive or negative rather than as a numerical value. A pathologist interprets the staining pattern, intensity, and distribution of positive cells in relation to the tissue type and clinical context.
| Result | Typical Significance |
|---|---|
| Positive staining | CD57 antigen detected; may indicate neuroendocrine tumours, certain lymphomas, NK-cell or T-cell malignancies, or normal prostatic/NK-cell tissue |
| Negative staining | CD57 antigen not detected; consistent with high-grade urothelial carcinoma, absence of neuroectodermal differentiation, or reduced NK-cell activity |
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.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this test evaluates tissue rather than a directly modifiable marker, the following are general wellness tips rather than specific targets:
- Support immune health through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep
- Attend all recommended follow-up appointments to discuss your results in context
- This test does not measure lifestyle-modifiable parameters; focus on following your doctor's guidance for any next steps
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - CD57 Test Price
The IHC marker - CD57 test is priced starting at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a centre visit or sample submission; 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 - CD57 test at 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 the FFPE tissue block or prepared slides.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - CD57 test is used to detect the CD57 antigen in tissue samples. It helps pathologists identify and classify certain cancers, including specific lymphomas, neuroendocrine tumours, and prostatic adenocarcinoma. Results also support the differentiation of tissue types that look similar under a standard microscope.
No. This test is performed on a tissue sample, typically collected via biopsy or surgical excision by a doctor. The specific method of tissue collection depends on the location of the suspected abnormality and is arranged by your treating doctor.
No fasting is needed. The test is carried out on a preserved tissue block, not on a blood or urine sample. You may eat and drink normally.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is available within 7 days of the laboratory receiving the tissue sample. Reports are delivered digitally via email or WhatsApp.
No. The CD57 IHC test provides supportive information and is used alongside other diagnostic tools such as additional IHC markers, clinical examination, imaging, and blood tests. A pathologist and treating doctor review all findings together before reaching a diagnosis.
A positive result means the CD57 antigen was detected in the tissue. Depending on the tissue type, this may suggest the presence of neuroendocrine tumour cells, certain lymphoma or leukaemia cells, or normal NK cells. A positive result alone is not diagnostic and must be interpreted by a qualified doctor in the context of the full clinical picture.
You should provide a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous biopsy or pathology reports, imaging results, and any relevant family history. This information is required for the test and helps the pathologist interpret the staining results accurately.
IHC Marker - CD57 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
