IHC Marker CD8
About IHC Marker CD8
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD8 Immunohistochemistry, IHC CD8, CD8 Immunostain, Cluster of Differentiation 8 IHC |
| Sample Type | Tissue biopsy (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue block) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | Both males and females of all ages, when lymphoma or immune response assessment is required |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker CD8 Test?
The IHC marker CD8 test is a laboratory test that detects the presence and location of CD8 protein in a tissue sample. CD8 is a marker found on the surface of cytotoxic T cells, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections and disease. The test is performed using a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC), which uses specially designed antibodies to identify specific proteins in tissue. It is also known as CD8 Immunohistochemistry or the CD8 Immunostain test.
Doctors order this test when they need to classify a suspected lymphoma, assess the immune response within a tumour, or determine the subtype of a T-cell-related condition.
What Does an IHC Marker CD8 Test Measure?
The IHC CD8 test analyses a tissue sample to identify specific features related to CD8-positive cells. The key elements examined are listed below.
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CD8 protein expression | Whether CD8-positive T cells are present in the tissue |
| CD8 glycoprotein structure | Identifies the alpha and beta chains of the CD8 marker on T cells, thymocytes, and natural killer cells |
| CD8 distribution pattern | Shows where CD8-positive cells are located within the tissue, aiding diagnosis and management |
Why is an IHC Marker CD8 Test Done?
This test is used to help doctors understand the nature of a tissue abnormality, particularly when a lymphoma or immune-related condition is suspected.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request the IHC marker CD8 test when a patient presents with any of the following symptoms.
- Unexplained or persistent enlargement of lymph nodes
- Skin lesions or rashes that may suggest lymphoma
- Suspected T-cell malignancy based on clinical or imaging findings
- Need for tumour classification after a biopsy diagnosis
- Assessment of immune response within a tumour
- Monitoring response to cancer immunotherapy treatment
- Recurring inflammatory skin conditions with uncertain cause
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The following conditions may be identified or further characterised with this test.
- T-cell lymphomas and chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (long-lasting conditions involving abnormal white blood cell growth)
- CD8-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, including mycosis fungoides (a type of skin lymphoma), subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, and related subtypes
- Tumour immune response, particularly the presence of CD8-positive tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (immune cells that have entered a tumour) in cancers such as colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung carcinoma
- Inflammatory skin conditions driven by T-cell immune reactions
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for the IHC marker CD8 test procedure itself. However, because the test is performed on a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy, the preparation relates to the biopsy collection step.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You may eat and drink as normal. However, if your biopsy requires sedation or general anaesthesia, your doctor will give you specific fasting instructions before the procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following points will help your visit go smoothly.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, especially blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin or warfarin, which may need to be paused before a biopsy
- Tell your healthcare team about any allergies or known health conditions
- Follow any additional pre-biopsy instructions given by your doctor, as these will depend on the location and type of biopsy planned
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A tissue sample is collected through a biopsy or during surgery, using local or general anaesthesia depending on the site being sampled.
- The collected tissue is processed and embedded in paraffin wax to preserve its structure (known as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded or FFPE tissue).
- Thin slices of the tissue are treated with CD8-specific antibodies, which bind to the CD8 protein if it is present.
- A colour reaction is applied so that CD8-positive cells become visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained tissue and records where CD8-positive cells are present and how they are distributed.
- Results are interpreted alongside your clinical history and other diagnostic findings, and your report is prepared.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of your test result.
- Quality and size of the tissue sample collected
- Proper fixation and processing of the tissue before testing
- The specific staining method and antibodies used in the laboratory
- Adequacy of positive and negative control samples used during the test
- Your overall health status at the time of sample collection
Understanding Your IHC Marker CD8 Test Results
Results from the IHC CD8 test are reported as positive or negative and must always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist alongside your full clinical picture.
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Positive | CD8-positive T cells are present in the tissue sample |
| Negative | No CD8-positive T cells detected in the tissue sample |
A positive result showing CD8-positive cells within a tumour may indicate an active immune response to cancer and can be associated with a better outlook in certain cancer types. A negative result may suggest the immune system is not responding to a condition in that tissue, or it may simply reflect a normal finding depending on the tissue type.
"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 outcome of this test depends on clinical findings rather than lifestyle alone, the following general habits support overall immune health.
- Eat a balanced diet with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and proteins that provide nutrients for immune function.
- Engage in regular, moderate physical activity to support your body's natural defences.
- Speak with your doctor about any persistent symptoms, unusual lumps, or skin changes that concern you.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker CD8 Price
The IHC marker CD8 test starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for tissue biopsy samples.
| 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 test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker CD8 test is performed on a tissue sample obtained through biopsy and shows where CD8-positive T cells are located within the tissue. A CD8 blood test, by contrast, measures the number of CD8 T cells circulating in the bloodstream. The two tests provide different types of information and are used in different clinical contexts.
The laboratory test itself involves no direct contact with the patient. Any discomfort is related to the biopsy procedure used to collect the tissue sample. Most biopsies involve mild pain at the collection site, and the risk of complications such as bleeding or infection is generally low.
At Lupin Diagnostics, your report is typically available within 3 days of the sample reaching the laboratory. This allows time for tissue processing, staining, and expert review by a pathologist.
No. CD8 expression alone cannot confirm a diagnosis of lymphoma or cancer. Results must be considered alongside the clinical presentation, the appearance of the tissue under a microscope, and other IHC markers. Your doctor will review all findings together before reaching a conclusion.
A positive result showing a high concentration of CD8-positive cells within a tumour suggests the immune system is actively responding to the cancer. This finding has been linked to a better prognosis in certain cancers and may indicate a stronger response to cancer immunotherapy.
The IHC marker CD8 test is usually ordered by oncologists, haematologists, pathologists, or dermatologists. It is requested when evaluating suspected lymphomas, assessing tumour immune profiles, or determining whether a T-cell malignancy is CD8-positive in subtype.
No. This test requires a tissue biopsy, which must be performed in a clinical setting by a trained healthcare professional under appropriate sterile conditions. The biopsy block is then submitted to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory for processing and analysis.
IHC Marker CD8
