IHC Marker CD79a Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker CD79a Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD79a Immunohistochemistry, CD79a IHC, mb-1 (CD79a), pan B-cell marker, B-cell Antigen Receptor Complex-associated Protein Alpha Chain |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No. This is a tissue-based test, not a blood test. |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of any gender with suspected B-cell cancers |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker CD79a Test?
The IHC marker CD79a test is a specialised laboratory test that uses immunohistochemistry (a technique that applies antibodies to tissue to detect specific proteins) to identify B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The test detects the CD79a protein, which is present on B cells at all stages of development. Doctors order this test to help determine whether abnormal cells in a tissue sample originate from the B-cell lineage.
This test is also known as the CD79a immunohistochemistry test. The sample used is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained via biopsy.
What Does an IHC Marker CD79a Test Measure?
The IHC marker CD79a test examines tissue for the presence and pattern of the CD79a protein. Below are the key elements the pathologist assesses.
| Parameter | What It Tells the Pathologist |
|---|---|
| CD79a Expression | Whether the CD79a protein is present (positive) or absent (negative) in the tissue |
| Staining Pattern | Where in the cell the protein is found: on the membrane (outer surface) or in the cytoplasm (fluid inside the cell) |
| Staining Intensity | How strongly the protein is expressed: weak, moderate, or strong |
CD79a is part of the B-cell receptor complex, a structure on the surface of B lymphocytes. When present, it confirms that abnormal cells are of B-cell origin.
Why Is an IHC Marker CD79a Test Done?
A doctor may order this test when a patient has signs or biopsy findings that suggest a cancer of the lymphatic system or blood. It helps pinpoint whether abnormal cells belong to the B-cell type.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may lead a doctor to request a biopsy and subsequent CD79a IHC staining:
- Painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
- Unexplained and persistent fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever without a clear cause
- Drenching night sweats
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker CD79a test is used to help identify a range of blood and lymphatic cancers, including:
- B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a cancer affecting immature B cells in the blood and bone marrow
- Malignant lymphomas arising from B cells
- Chronic lymphoproliferative disorders, where abnormal B cells build up slowly over time
- Plasma cell neoplasms, though only around 50% of these stain positive
- Distinguishing classical Hodgkin lymphoma from primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test is performed on a tissue sample collected via biopsy. There is no special preparation needed on the patient's part beyond what is required for the biopsy procedure itself.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Because the CD79a immunohistochemistry test is performed on tissue and not a blood sample, food and drink do not affect the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few steps that can help ensure accurate results and a smooth experience:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history. This is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, especially blood thinners, as some may need to be paused before the biopsy.
- Follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding any preparations for the biopsy procedure.
- Bring any previous biopsy reports or pathology records to assist the pathologist.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A tissue sample is collected by your doctor through a biopsy. This may be a fine-needle aspiration, a core needle biopsy, or a surgical biopsy, depending on the location and size of the suspected lesion. Local anaesthesia is typically used to reduce discomfort.
- The collected tissue is preserved using formalin (a chemical fixative) and then embedded in paraffin wax to maintain its shape and structure. This creates the FFPE tissue block.
- The block is sliced into very thin sections and placed on microscope slides in the laboratory.
- A specially prepared antibody that targets the CD79a protein is applied to the slides. If CD79a is present in the tissue, the antibody binds to it.
- A detection system is added that produces a visible colour change, usually brown, at sites where the antibody has bound. This allows the pathologist to see the protein under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides, records the expression pattern and intensity, and prepares a written report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of the CD79a IHC test procedure:
- Poor tissue preservation or an insufficient sample size may lead to inconclusive findings
- The age of the cut paraffin section can affect how well the tissue reacts to staining
- Incomplete or improper fixation of the tissue before embedding
- Lack of accompanying clinical history, which the pathologist needs for accurate interpretation
- Errors in laboratory technique or the absence of proper test controls
Understanding Your IHC Marker CD79a Results
Results from this test are reported by a pathologist and should always be reviewed together with your treating doctor. The table below outlines how results are generally interpreted.
| Result | Typical Meaning |
|---|---|
| Positive with B-cell pattern | Suggests the abnormal cells are of B-cell origin |
| Negative | Suggests T-cell, myeloid, or non-lymphoid origin; additional markers may be needed |
| Weak or partial staining | May indicate a plasma cell neoplasm or require further investigation |
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 situations can produce unexpected staining patterns that require careful consideration.
- Acute myeloid leukaemias with specific genetic changes (RUNX1 mutations and t(8;21)) may show unexpected CD79a expression, which can complicate diagnosis.
- Rare peripheral T-cell lymphomas affecting tissue outside the lymph nodes may also stain positive for CD79a, making it necessary to use additional markers alongside this test.
- In approximately 10% of T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia or lymphoma cases, both CD79a and CD3 (a T-cell marker) are expressed together.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a specialised diagnostic test for detecting cancer rather than a routine wellness screen, there are no specific lifestyle tips to influence the result. However, the following general advice applies:
- Attend all follow-up appointments recommended by your doctor after receiving results.
- Keep your medical records organised and accessible for any future consultations or additional tests.
- Maintain open communication with your haematologist or oncologist about any new symptoms.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker CD79a Price
The IHC marker CD79a test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for tissue-based biopsy tests.
| 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 CD79a test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection or submission of your FFPE tissue block.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
CD79a is a protein found on the outer surface of B lymphocytes, a type of immune cell, at every stage of their development. The CD79a IHC test is performed to help doctors determine whether abnormal cells in a tissue sample have originated from B cells. This is important for diagnosing certain blood cancers and lymphomas.
The sample is collected through a biopsy procedure performed by a trained doctor. Depending on the location of the suspected lesion, this may be a fine-needle aspiration, a core needle biopsy, or a surgical biopsy. Local anaesthesia is generally used to keep the procedure as comfortable as possible.
No. The IHC marker CD79a test home collection option is not available because this test requires a tissue biopsy, which must be collected and handled in a clinical setting by trained medical professionals. Patients need to visit a Lupin Diagnostics centre.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically delivered within 7 days. This allows time for tissue processing, antibody staining, and thorough examination and reporting by a qualified pathologist.
A positive result indicates that the cells examined express the CD79a protein, which points to B-cell lineage. This finding is seen in approximately 97% of B-cell neoplasms and is particularly helpful in identifying precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Your doctor will explain what this means for your specific case.
Yes, in rare situations. CD79a positivity has been reported in up to 10% of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma cases and in some acute myeloid leukaemias with specific genetic changes. This is why pathologists use the CD79a immunohistochemistry test as part of a broader panel of markers rather than in isolation.
No. The CD79a IHC test is primarily a diagnostic tool used at the time of initial diagnosis or relapse to establish the origin of abnormal cells. Ongoing monitoring of treatment response is done through other methods, such as routine blood tests, imaging, and clinical review.
IHC Marker CD79a Test: Booking, Price, and Results
