IHC Marker-CD99: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-CD99: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IHC Marker CD99, CD99 Immunohistochemistry, MIC-2, CD 99 Count, O13 (CD99) |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; commonly used in children and young adults suspected of having small round cell tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker-CD99 Test?
The IHC marker-CD99 test is a laboratory test that detects the CD99 protein in tissue samples using immunohistochemistry (IHC). CD99, also known as MIC-2, is a protein found on the surface of certain cells, and its presence or absence helps pathologists identify specific types of tumours.
The test is also referred to as CD99 Immunohistochemistry. It requires a tissue sample, typically a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block obtained from a prior biopsy.
What Does an IHC Marker-CD99 Test Measure?
The IHC marker CD99 test examines tissue for the presence and pattern of the CD99 protein. The table below explains what the test looks for and why it matters.
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| CD99 Protein Expression | Whether the CD99 protein is present in the tissue, reported as positive or negative |
| Membranous Staining Pattern | Whether staining appears on the cell surface (membrane), strong, diffuse membranous staining is significant |
The antibodies used in this test bind to the CD99 protein and produce a brown colour under the microscope, allowing a pathologist to assess both the presence and pattern of staining. Only strong, diffuse staining on the cell membrane is considered clinically significant for conditions such as Ewing sarcoma.
Why Is an IHC Marker-CD99 Test Done?
Doctors order this test when a tissue sample shows features that suggest certain tumour types, particularly small round cell tumours. Clinical history is required alongside the tissue block for accurate interpretation.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, particularly in children and young adults, may lead a doctor to request this test:
- Localised bone pain, often worse at night
- Swelling or a palpable lump over the affected area
- Stiffness in the affected limb or region
- Unexplained fatigue and weight loss
- Fever without an obvious cause
- Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A pathologist uses this test to help identify several tumour types:
- Ewing sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET), a rare bone and soft tissue cancer common in children and young adults
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma (cancers of the blood and lymph nodes)
- Synovial sarcoma and low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (soft tissue cancers near joints)
- Solitary fibrous tumour and meningioma (a tumour of the brain lining)
- Sex cord-stromal tumours of the ovary and testis
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the IHC marker CD99 test. The test is performed on tissue already collected during a biopsy, so there are no patient-side steps beyond what the treating doctor has already arranged.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. There are no dietary restrictions before or during the process.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before submitting your sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry any prior pathology reports and imaging results to help the pathologist correlate findings
- Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, as some, such as blood thinners, may have been relevant at the time of biopsy
- If a biopsy has not yet been done, your doctor will advise on any specific pre-procedure instructions at that time
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is removed from the suspected tumour site by a trained doctor.
- The tissue is preserved in formalin and processed into a paraffin-embedded tissue block (FFPE block), which stabilises the sample for testing.
- Very thin sections are cut from the block and placed on glass slides.
- Special antibodies are applied to the slides. These antibodies bind to the CD99 protein in tissue.
- If CD99 is present, the stained area appears brown under the microscope, indicating a positive reaction.
- A qualified pathologist reviews the staining pattern and prepares a report, taking into account your clinical history and other test findings.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Poor tissue preservation or an insufficient sample may lead to inconclusive findings
- The length of time tissue spends in the fixative (formalin) is critical and must be within acceptable limits
- Antibody specificity affects the risk of false-positive or false-negative readings
- Results must always be interpreted alongside clinical history, imaging, and other diagnostic tests
Understanding Your IHC Marker-CD99 Test Results
Results from the IHC marker CD99 test are reported as positive or negative, along with a description of the staining pattern. A pathologist interprets these findings in the context of your full clinical picture.
| Finding | Typical Significance |
|---|---|
| Negative or weakly positive | Normal CD99 expression; Ewing sarcoma is considered unlikely |
| Strong, diffuse membranous staining (positive) | Suggestive of Ewing sarcoma, PNET, lymphoblastic lymphoma, or related tumours |
A positive result does not confirm a diagnosis on its own. Strong CD99 expression is seen in approximately 95% of Ewing sarcoma cases, but other tumours can also stain positively. Confirmation of Ewing sarcoma requires molecular testing to detect an EWSR1 gene rearrangement. A negative result makes Ewing sarcoma unlikely, and other diagnoses such as neuroblastoma or Wilms tumour may be considered.
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
This test is diagnostic in nature rather than preventive. The following general tips apply to overall well-being:
- Attend regular health check-ups so that any new or unusual symptoms are assessed early
- If you experience persistent bone pain, unexplained lumps, or prolonged fatigue, consult a doctor promptly
- Follow the care plan recommended by your treating specialist if a diagnosis has been made
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-CD99 Price
The IHC marker CD99 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test, as it involves specialised tissue processing and laboratory equipment.
| 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 to submit the sample.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker CD99 test is used to detect the CD99 protein in tissue samples. It helps pathologists identify tumour types such as Ewing sarcoma, PNET, and lymphoblastic lymphoma. It is an important part of diagnosing small round cell tumours in children and young adults.
The tissue sample is usually obtained through a biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is surgically removed from the suspected tumour site. If a biopsy has already been done, the stored FFPE tissue block or slides can be submitted directly without an additional procedure.
The test itself is not painful, as it is carried out entirely in the laboratory on a tissue sample. Any discomfort is associated with the biopsy procedure, not the staining process, and your doctor will manage that separately.
A positive result indicates that CD99 protein is present in the tissue, which can suggest certain cancers. However, it does not confirm a diagnosis on its own. Your doctor will use additional tests, including molecular investigations, along with your clinical history and imaging findings, before reaching a conclusion.
No, home collection is not available for this test. It requires specialised laboratory equipment and trained professionals to accurately process, stain, and interpret the tissue sample.
An oncologist (cancer specialist) or a pathologist usually orders this test when Ewing sarcoma or a similar tumour is suspected based on symptoms, imaging, or an initial biopsy finding. Your treating doctor will guide you through the process.
A negative result means the CD99 protein was not detected in significant amounts. This makes Ewing sarcoma and PNET unlikely diagnoses. Your doctor will then consider other possible tumour types and may request further tests to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
IHC Marker-CD99: Booking, Price, and Results
