IHC Marker CD7
About IHC Marker CD7
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD7 Immunohistochemistry, IHC CD7, CD7 Antigen Test, Cluster of Differentiation 7 Test |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of all ages; it's primarily ordered when a blood or lymphatic cancer is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker CD7 Test?
The IHC marker CD7 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the CD7 protein on cells within a tissue sample. CD7 is a marker found on the surface of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, both of which are part of the body's immune system. Doctors order this test when they suspect certain blood cancers or lymphomas. It is also known as CD7 Immunohistochemistry or the CD7 Antigen Test.
What Does an IHC Marker CD7 Test Measure?
This test examines tissue for the presence, absence, or altered expression of the CD7 antigen. The following table explains the key markers assessed.
| Marker | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| CD7 Antigen | A protein found on T cells and NK cells; one of the earliest T-cell markers to appear and the only early marker that persists throughout T-cell development |
| CD7 Expression Pattern | Present on approximately 95% of lymphoblastic leukaemias and lymphomas; also found on cells in the early stages of certain other blood cell types |
| CD7 Loss | Absent or reduced staining in more than 30% of lymphocytes, a pattern that may point to T-cell lymphoma or other malignancy |
Results are reported as positive, negative, or partially positive, based on the percentage and intensity of staining observed under the microscope.
Why Is an IHC Marker CD7 Test Done?
A pathologist or haematologist may recommend this test when clinical findings suggest an abnormality in the lymphatic system or blood cells.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to order the IHC CD7 test:
- Unexplained skin lesions or persistent skin patches
- Persistently swollen lymph nodes
- Unexplained fever lasting several weeks
- Night sweats without an obvious cause
- Unintentional weight loss
- Prolonged fatigue
- Enlarged liver or spleen detected during examination
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker CD7 panel can assist in identifying several conditions, including:
- T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL), where CD7 is expressed on malignant cells in nearly all cases
- Mycosis fungoides, a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in which loss of CD7 can appear even in early disease stages
- Sézary syndrome, which shares an immunohistochemical pattern with mycosis fungoides including CD7 negativity
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), where CD7 is the most frequently detected aberrant marker, found in around 30% of newly diagnosed cases
- Aggressive natural killer-cell leukaemia (ANKL), where CD7 loss is observed in approximately 50% of patients
- NK-cell tumours and other haematological malignancies
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the IHC marker CD7 test procedure. The key steps below explain what the process involves.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Dietary restrictions do not affect the tissue-based analysis used in immunohistochemistry.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your test appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking or any known allergies
- If a new biopsy is needed, let your doctor know if you have any bleeding disorders
- If the tissue sample was already collected during a previous biopsy or surgery, no additional preparation is needed on your part
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker CD7 test procedure involves the following steps:
- A tissue sample is collected through a biopsy or during a surgical procedure. The specific method depends on where the abnormality is located.
- The collected tissue is preserved in a formalin solution and embedded in a paraffin wax block (called an FFPE tissue block) to keep it stable for analysis.
- Very thin sections are cut from this block and placed on glass slides.
- A specialised antibody that targets the CD7 protein is applied to the slide. If CD7 is present in the tissue, the antibody binds to it.
- The bound antibody is treated with a dye or marker that makes it visible under a microscope.
- A pathologist examines the stained slide, assesses the pattern and intensity of staining, and prepares a detailed report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Quality and handling of the tissue sample from the point of collection onwards
- Formalin fixation can reduce the detectability of CD7, as its antigenicity may decline during this process
- CD7 is more difficult to detect on paraffin sections compared to some other markers, requiring careful laboratory technique
- Laboratory expertise, equipment quality, and the specific staining protocol used
Understanding Your IHC Marker CD7 Results
Your results should always be reviewed by a qualified doctor, typically an onco-pathologist or haematologist, alongside your clinical history and other test findings. The table below provides a general guide to interpreting CD7 staining.
| Finding | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| CD7 positive on T cells and NK cells | Normal expression consistent with T-cell and NK-cell lineage |
| CD7 overexpression on abnormal cells | May suggest T-ALL or other aggressive haematological malignancy |
| CD7 loss or reduced staining in more than 30% of lymphocytes | May indicate T-cell lymphoma such as mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome |
| CD7 positivity in non-T-cell population | May be seen in up to 30% of AML cases; associated with poorer prognosis in myeloid malignancies |
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
Certain conditions can influence how CD7 results should be read:
CD7 negativity alone is not sufficient to diagnose mycosis fungoides, as it can also appear in inflammatory skin conditions. Loss of the CD7 molecule has been observed in some CD4+ memory T cells under normal physiological conditions. It has also been noted in conditions such as HIV infection, rheumatoid arthritis, and following kidney transplantation. These findings highlight why CD7 results must always be considered alongside the full clinical picture.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a diagnostic test rather than a routine screening tool, there are no direct lifestyle changes that affect CD7 expression. General guidance includes:
- Attend regular health check-ups if you have a family history of lymphoma or leukaemia
- Report any persistent or unexplained symptoms such as skin changes, swollen lymph nodes, or ongoing fatigue to your doctor without delay
- Follow your doctor's advice regarding any follow-up tests or specialist referrals after receiving your results
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker CD7 Price
The IHC marker CD7 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, as the sample must be a prepared FFPE tissue block.
| 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 CD7 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 CD7 test is used to detect whether the CD7 protein is present, absent, or abnormally expressed in a tissue sample. This helps doctors identify or rule out certain T-cell and NK-cell cancers, including leukaemias and lymphomas.
The sample is a piece of tissue obtained through a biopsy or during a surgical procedure. The method used depends on where the suspected abnormality is located in the body. If a tissue block from a previous procedure is available, no new biopsy is needed.
The IHC CD7 test itself is a laboratory procedure performed on a tissue sample, so it does not cause discomfort directly. Any discomfort is associated with the biopsy or surgical procedure used to collect the tissue. Your doctor will explain what to expect before the procedure.
A negative or absent CD7 result means the protein was not detected or was detected in significantly fewer cells than expected. This pattern can suggest conditions such as mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome, but it is not conclusive on its own. Your doctor will interpret this finding alongside other tests and your clinical history.
Yes. CD7 expression has been found in acute myeloid leukaemia, where it is the most commonly detected aberrant marker, present in approximately 30% of newly diagnosed cases. It is also found in NK-cell tumours.
The report for the IHC marker CD7 test is typically delivered within 7 days. Processing involves multiple laboratory steps, including tissue preparation, staining, and examination by a pathologist, which accounts for this turnaround time.
Yes, in most cases. A panel of additional IHC markers such as CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, and CD8 is often examined at the same time to build a clearer diagnostic picture. Your doctor may also request blood tests, flow cytometry, or imaging studies depending on your symptoms and clinical findings.
IHC Marker CD7
