IHC Marker - CD8 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - CD8 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD8 Immunostain, CD8 IHC, CD8 Immunohistochemistry, IHC CD8 |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily ordered for cancer patients and those with suspected T-cell lymphomas |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - CD8 Test?
The IHC Marker - CD8 Test is a specialised tissue-based test that identifies the presence and location of CD8 protein in a biopsy sample. CD8 is a marker found on cytotoxic T cells, which are immune cells that target infected or cancerous cells. The test is also known as CD8 Immunostain, CD8 IHC, or CD8 Immunohistochemistry. It is used in pathology to help diagnose certain cancers and assess how the immune system is responding within a tissue.
What Does an IHC Marker - CD8 Test Measure?
This test examines a tissue sample under a microscope after applying specialised antibodies that bind to the CD8 protein, revealing the presence and distribution of specific immune cells. The key components assessed are listed below:
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CD8 protein expression | Whether CD8-positive cells are present or absent in the tissue (reported as Positive or Negative) |
| Cytotoxic T cells and NK cells | Identifies immune cells of the cytotoxic/suppressor T-cell lineage, natural killer cells, and thymocytes in the sample |
| Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) | Measures how many CD8-positive immune cells have entered the tumour tissue, which has diagnostic and prognostic value |
Why is an IHC Marker - CD8 Test Done?
Doctors order this test to understand the immune environment within a tissue sample, particularly when a cancer or lymphoma is suspected or already diagnosed.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with any of the following:
- Swollen lymph nodes that do not resolve
- Unexplained lumps or masses in the body
- Skin lesions or rashes that do not heal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Suspected lymphoma or T-cell cancer based on earlier investigations
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD8 IHC test can assist in identifying or assessing the following conditions:
- T-cell lymphomas, including cancers originating from cytotoxic T cells
- CD8-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs), such as CD8-positive mycosis fungoides, subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, and primary cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma
- Chronic lymphoproliferative disorders, where lymphocytes grow in an uncontrolled manner
- Immune response in cancers such as colorectal cancer and non-small-cell lung carcinoma
- Prognostic assessment in breast cancer, melanoma, and cervical cancer
IHC Marker - CD8 Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The CD8 test has a recognised role in monitoring treatment response, particularly for patients on immunotherapy. Changes in CD8-positive T-cell density across repeated tissue assessments can indicate how well the treatment is working. CD8-positive tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes are also an important biomarker for evaluating immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test is performed on a tissue block collected during a biopsy, so preparation is straightforward and does not involve any dietary restrictions.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before submitting your sample. Since the test uses a previously collected tissue block, there are no food or fluid restrictions at any stage.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before 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.
- Carry a valid doctor's prescription when submitting your biopsy sample or tissue block.
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking.
- Check that your existing biopsy block or unstained slides are stored and transported correctly before submission.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the CD8 IHC test procedure is carried out from sample collection to result.
- A biopsy is performed by your treating doctor to collect a tissue sample from the area of concern, if this has not already been done.
- The collected tissue is fixed using formalin and then embedded in paraffin wax to preserve its structure. This produces the FFPE tissue block used for the test.
- Thin sections are cut from the block and placed on glass slides. Specialised antibodies that bind to the CD8 protein are applied to the slide.
- A colour reaction is introduced to make the antibody binding visible. This allows the pathologist to see exactly where CD8-positive cells are located within the tissue.
- The pathologist examines the stained slide under a microscope, noting whether CD8 expression is positive or negative and assessing the density and location of CD8-positive cells.
- Results, along with your clinical history, are reviewed, and a report is prepared, typically within 3 days of sample receipt.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors can influence the reliability of your CD8 test result:
- Age of the cut paraffin section, as older sections may show reduced immune reactivity
- The quality of the original tissue sample and how promptly it was fixed after collection
- Proper formalin fixation and paraffin embedding during tissue processing
- Correct storage and handling of the FFPE block before and during transport
- The patient's overall health, which may affect the immune cell composition of the tissue
Understanding Your IHC Marker - CD8 Test Results
Results from this test are interpreted by a trained pathologist in the context of your clinical history and other diagnostic findings. The table below outlines how results are generally reported:
| Parameter | Finding | General Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| CD8 expression | Positive | CD8-positive cells are present in the tissue |
| CD8 expression | Negative | No CD8-positive cells detected in the tissue |
| CD8-positive TIL density | Higher density | Generally associated with a more active immune response and, in many cancers, a better prognosis |
| CD8-positive TIL density | Lower density | May indicate reduced immune activity in the tissue; associated with poorer prognosis in certain cancers |
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 tissue immune markers cannot be directly controlled, supporting your immune system through daily habits is beneficial. Consider these general wellness tips:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support immune function.
- Aim for regular physical activity, which helps keep immune responses healthy.
- Prioritise adequate sleep and manage stress, as both have a significant effect on immune system health.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - CD8 Test Price
The CD8 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920; the city-wise price breakdown is provided below:
| 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 CD8 test online booking with Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the IHC Marker - CD8 Test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD8 IHC test examines a tissue sample to show where CD8-positive cells are located within the tissue. A CD8 blood test, by contrast, counts the number of CD8 T cells circulating in the blood. Each test serves a different clinical purpose and is ordered in different situations.
The CD8 test result must be interpreted in the context of your symptoms, previous diagnoses, and other findings. A pathologist uses this information alongside the staining result to provide a meaningful report. Without it, the result may be difficult to interpret accurately.
The preferred sample is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a biopsy. The tissue is fixed and processed to preserve its structure, then thin sections are cut, placed on glass slides, and stained with antibodies that highlight CD8-positive cells.
A higher density of CD8-positive immune cells within a tumour sample generally suggests that the immune system is actively responding to the cancer, which may be associated with a better outlook in certain cancer types. A lower density may indicate reduced immune activity. Your oncologist will explain what the findings mean for your specific situation.
Yes. The CD8 IHC result is a recognised biomarker for evaluating whether a patient is likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Changes in CD8-positive T-cell density in repeat tissue samples can also help clinicians track how well immunotherapy is working over time.
The test itself carries no direct risks, as it is performed on tissue that has already been collected. Any risks are related to the original biopsy procedure and may include mild pain, bleeding, or a low risk of infection at the biopsy site.
IHC Marker - CD8 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
