IHC Marker - CK15 Test
About IHC Marker - CK15 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CK15, Cytokeratin 15, Keratin 15, KRT15, K15 |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; ordered by a physician based on clinical need |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker - CK15 Test?
The IHC Marker - CK15 test is a specialised laboratory test that uses immunohistochemistry (IHC), a technique that stains tissue samples with targeted antibodies, to detect the presence of a protein called Cytokeratin 15. Also known as CK15 or Keratin 15, this test is performed on a tissue biopsy sample. Doctors typically order it to help distinguish between certain skin tumours or to characterise specific cancer subtypes.
What Does an IHC Marker - CK15 Test Measure?
This test detects and evaluates the expression of the CK15 protein within tissue cells. Here is what the analysis covers:
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CK15 protein expression | Whether CK15 is present in the tissue sample and how strongly it is expressed |
| Staining pattern | Which cell layers show CK15 positivity, helping identify the tissue type and origin |
| Expression score | Reported as negative or positive (scored 0 to 3+) based on staining intensity |
CK15 is normally found in the basal cell layer of the skin, the outer root sheath of hair follicles, and certain glandular cells. Its presence or absence in a biopsy sample provides important clues about whether a growth is benign or malignant.
Why Is an IHC Marker - CK15 Test Done?
A doctor may recommend this test when a tissue biopsy shows findings that need further clarification. It is used to characterise tumours and assist in diagnosis.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms or findings may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Skin lesions or growths that look unusual under a microscope
- Persistent nodules on the face or scalp that are not clearly benign or malignant
- Suspected skin cancer identified during a routine or diagnostic biopsy
- Hair follicle-related lesions needing further classification
- Tumour masses that require a precise differential diagnosis
- Unusual tissue changes discovered during a biopsy examination
- Growths with features overlapping between benign and malignant categories
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A pathologist uses CK15 staining results alongside other markers to help identify or rule out the following conditions:
- Trichoepithelioma (a benign skin tumour arising from hair follicles), which shows strong CK15 positivity
- Basal cell carcinoma (a common type of skin cancer), which typically shows low or absent CK15 expression
- Sclerosing adnexal neoplasms (scarring skin tumours requiring differential diagnosis)
- Apocrine mixed tumours and related benign skin neoplasms
- Certain breast carcinoma subtypes with stem cell marker characteristics
- Urothelial (bladder lining) cancers showing CK15 changes
- Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, where CK15 expression may be reduced
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for the IHC CK15 test is straightforward, as there are no dietary restrictions. The tissue sample is usually collected before the test is ordered.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is performed on a tissue sample already collected through a biopsy, so there are no food or drink restrictions.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind when submitting a sample for the IHC Marker - CK15 test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Carry all previous pathology reports and biopsy findings from the same site.
- Ensure the biopsy tissue has been properly collected and preserved by the treating physician.
- A valid doctor's prescription is required before the test can be processed.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the test is carried out from sample collection to reporting:
- A tissue sample is collected by your doctor through a biopsy, which may involve a fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, or surgical excision. Local anaesthesia is typically used.
- The collected tissue is placed in formalin solution to preserve its structure, then embedded in paraffin wax to form an FFPE tissue block.
- The block is sliced into very thin sections and mounted onto glass slides in the laboratory.
- The slides are treated with antibodies that specifically bind to the CK15 protein within the cells. A visible stain is applied so the pathologist can see where the protein is present.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, assessing the intensity and distribution of staining across the tissue.
- The findings are recorded, and the report is prepared, typically within 3 days of the laboratory receiving the sample.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the quality of results for a CK15 IHC test:
- Delayed fixation (the time between biopsy collection and placing the tissue in formalin)
- Poor preservation or improper handling of the tissue block
- Prior treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which may alter protein expression
- Small or fragmented tissue specimens that limit analysis
- Laboratory technique, antibody quality, and equipment calibration
- Age of the tissue sample, which may affect staining patterns
Understanding Your IHC Marker - CK15 Test Results
Results from the IHC Marker - CK15 test are interpreted by a pathologist in relation to the clinical picture and other laboratory findings. The table below provides a general guide to result interpretation:
| Result | Typical Significance |
|---|---|
| Strongly positive (2+ to 3+) | Suggests benign lesions such as trichoepithelioma or hair follicle stem cell-derived tumours |
| Weakly positive (1+) | Borderline expression; requires correlation with other markers |
| Negative (0) | May suggest basal cell carcinoma or malignant transformation; results assessed alongside other IHC markers |
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 may affect how CK15 is expressed in tissue:
- Poor tissue fixation or delays between biopsy and processing can alter protein detection, leading to weaker or inconsistent staining.
- Prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy may modify protein expression patterns in the tissue, affecting how results should be interpreted.
- Older tissue samples or very small specimens may show variable staining that requires careful evaluation by the pathologist.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While CK15 is a diagnostic marker and not a value you can directly modify, the following general habits support skin health:
- Examine your skin regularly and report any new, changing, or unusual lesions to your doctor without delay.
- Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure, particularly during peak UV hours, by using sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Attend all follow-up appointments after a biopsy so your doctor can interpret your IHC results in full context.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - CK15 Test Price
The IHC Marker - CK15 test is priced starting at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a centre visit; home collection is not available, as the test is performed on a tissue biopsy block that must be submitted in person.
| 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 - CK15 test at Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit your FFPE tissue block or biopsy sample.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC CK15 test is used mainly to distinguish trichoepithelioma (a benign skin tumour) from basal cell carcinoma (a skin cancer). It also helps identify tumours with hair follicle stem cell characteristics and characterise certain cancer subtypes in the breast and urinary tract.
The test is carried out on tissue obtained through a biopsy. A doctor collects the tissue sample, which is then fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax. The resulting FFPE block is submitted to the laboratory. No home collection is available for this test.
No fasting or dietary restriction is needed. You should bring a detailed clinical history, along with your doctor's prescription and all previous pathology reports. These are required for accurate processing and interpretation of the results.
Reports for the IHC Marker - CK15 test are typically available within 3 days of the laboratory receiving the sample. Complex cases that require additional analysis may take longer.
A positive result often points towards a benign lesion, such as a trichoepithelioma or a tumour arising from hair follicle stem cells. However, a pathologist must interpret the result alongside the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic findings before any conclusion is drawn.
Yes, CK15 staining is a useful aid in differentiating certain benign and malignant skin tumours. Trichoepitheliomas typically show strong CK15 positivity, while most basal cell carcinomas show little or no expression. However, the result is always considered alongside other markers and clinical information.
IHC Marker - CK15 Test
