IHC Marker - CD68 Test
About IHC Marker - CD68 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD68 Immunohistochemistry, CD68 IHC, CD68 Macrophage Marker, KP-1 Immunostain, PG-M1 Immunostain |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; ordered when histiocytic or macrophage involvement needs confirmation |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - CD68 Test?
The IHC marker - CD68 Test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the CD68 protein in tissue samples using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC). CD68 is a protein found mainly in macrophages and histiocytes, which are cells that form part of the body's immune system. Also known as CD68 IHC or CD68 Macrophage Marker, this test is performed on a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained from a prior biopsy. Doctors order it to identify specific cell types in tumours or inflamed tissues.
What Does an IHC Marker - CD68 Test Measure?
The IHC marker - CD68 test analyses the presence and distribution of the CD68 protein within a tissue sample. Here is what the test evaluates:
| Parameter | What it Shows |
|---|---|
| CD68 protein expression | Detects a glycoprotein found mainly in the lysosomes of macrophages and related immune cells |
| Macrophage identification | Confirms the presence of macrophages and histiocytes (tissue immune cells) in the sample |
| Histiocyte and monocyte presence | Helps identify histiocytic and monocytic cells, including potential tumour cells of this lineage |
| Staining intensity | Reported qualitatively as absent, weak, moderate, or strong |
Why is an IHC Marker - CD68 Test Done?
This test is used when a doctor or pathologist needs to determine whether cells in a tissue sample belong to the macrophage or histiocyte family. It often follows an initial biopsy that has returned inconclusive results.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with any of the following:
- Unexplained lumps or masses in the body
- Enlarged lymph nodes that do not resolve on their own
- Bone lesions detected on imaging
- Skin nodules of unknown origin
- Unusual enlargement of an organ, such as the spleen or liver
- Suspected histiocytic disorders based on clinical findings
- Inconclusive results from an initial biopsy
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD68 IHC test helps a pathologist identify or rule out several conditions, including:
- Histiocytic sarcoma (a rare tumour requiring confirmation of histiocytic markers)
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis, typically confirmed alongside CD1a and langerin positivity
- Myeloid or monocytic sarcoma (also called granulocytic sarcoma)
- Malignant fibrous histiocytoma and granular cell tumours
- Giant cell tumours of soft tissue and bone
- Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease and other benign histiocytic conditions
- Assessment of tumour-associated macrophages in various cancers for prognostic purposes
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the IHC marker - CD68 test procedure uses tissue already collected during a prior biopsy, there is no new sample collection involved. The steps below explain how the process works from start to finish.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Since the sample is a tissue block from a previous biopsy rather than a blood or urine sample, dietary restrictions do not apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before submitting your sample for this test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Provide the original histopathology report from your prior biopsy
- Ensure the FFPE tissue block or prepared slides are properly labelled before submission
- Include any relevant imaging reports to help the pathologist interpret findings in context
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker - CD68 test procedure involves several laboratory steps after your tissue block is submitted:
- The FFPE tissue block from your earlier biopsy is received and logged at the laboratory.
- Thin slices of tissue, typically 3 to 5 microns thick, are cut from the paraffin block.
- The tissue sections undergo antigen retrieval, a process that restores the proteins so that antibodies can bind to them effectively.
- A CD68-specific antibody (using the KP-1 or PG-M1 clone) is applied to the tissue sections.
- A staining agent makes the areas where CD68 is present visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained sections, assesses staining intensity, and prepares a detailed report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliable the results are:
- Quality and size of the original tissue sample
- Fixation time (24 to 48 hours in formalin is considered optimal; under- or over-fixation can affect staining)
- The antibody clone selected for staining (KP-1 versus PG-M1)
- Antigen retrieval technique used in the laboratory
- Proper labelling and handling of the tissue block during transport
Understanding Your IHC Marker - CD68 Test Results
Results from the CD68 IHC test should always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist and discussed with your treating doctor alongside other clinical and imaging findings. The table below outlines how staining results are generally interpreted.
| Result | What it May Indicate |
|---|---|
| CD68 positive (macrophages, histiocytes, monocytes) | Normal immune cells; also seen in histiocytic tumours, giant cell tumours, and granular cell tumours |
| CD68 positive (unexpected cell types) | May suggest histiocytic sarcoma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, or myeloid sarcoma |
| CD68 negative | Suggests a non-histiocytic origin; may point to lymphoma, carcinoma, or other lineages requiring further markers |
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 the CD68 test is a diagnostic tool rather than a routine wellness check, the following general tips support overall immune health:
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals to support immune function.
- Attend regular health check-ups, especially if you have a family history of unusual tumours or immune conditions.
- Report any new lumps, unexplained swellings, or persistent symptoms to your doctor without delay.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - CD68 Test Price
The IHC marker - CD68 test is priced starting at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. 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 |
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 - CD68 test online:
- 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 or slides.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD68 IHC marker test is used to identify macrophages, histiocytes, and monocytic cells in tissue samples. Pathologists use it to characterise tumours, detect histiocytic disorders, and assess immune cell infiltration in various tissues. It is often ordered when the origin of a tumour is unclear after routine staining.
No new sample collection is needed specifically for this test. The laboratory uses the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block from your earlier biopsy procedure. You simply need to submit that block or prepared slides to the laboratory.
CD68 is most strongly expressed in macrophages and histiocytes, but it can also be found in monocytes, some granulocytes, and certain other cell types, including fibroblasts. Because of this, pathologists typically interpret CD68 staining alongside additional markers to reach a precise diagnosis.
The two most widely used clones are KP-1 and PG-M1. PG-M1 tends to be slightly more specific for macrophages and histiocytes, while KP-1 has a broader reactivity. Your pathologist will select the appropriate clone based on your clinical situation.
Results are available within 7 days at Lupin Diagnostics. This time is needed because a pathologist must examine the stained tissue sections carefully under a microscope and prepare a detailed written report.
No. A positive CD68 result simply confirms the presence of macrophages or histiocytes in the tissue. These cells are present in many benign conditions as well as malignant ones. Your doctor and pathologist will interpret the result in context with other tests, imaging, and your clinical history.
No. This test requires specialised laboratory equipment and trained pathology staff. It is performed entirely in a pathology laboratory on a submitted tissue block and cannot be conducted through home sample collection.
IHC Marker - CD68 Test
