IHC Marker - CK17 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - CK17 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cytokeratin 17, CK-17, K17, KRT17, Keratin 17 IHC |
| Sample Type | Tissue biopsy (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded block) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders; typically ordered when investigating a suspected cancer or tumour |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker - CK17 Test?
The IHC Marker - CK17 test detects the presence of cytokeratin 17 (CK17), a structural protein found in certain epithelial cells, within a tissue sample. Pathologists use this test to help classify tumours and identify specific cancer subtypes. It is also known as Cytokeratin 17, CK-17, or Keratin 17 IHC. The test is performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), a method that uses antibodies to stain tissue sections and reveal protein expression under a microscope.
What Does an IHC Marker - CK17 Test Measure?
The CK17 IHC test analyses a tissue biopsy specimen for the presence and distribution of the CK17 protein. Below are the key parameters assessed:
| Parameter | What It Tells the Pathologist |
|---|---|
| CK17 staining pattern | Whether CK17 protein is present and how it is distributed in the tissue |
| Staining intensity | Scored from 0 to 3+, indicating how strongly CK17 is expressed |
| Percentage of positive cells | The proportion of tissue cells that express CK17 |
Results are reported qualitatively as negative, weak positive, moderate positive, or strong positive. There is no single numerical reference value; interpretation depends on the tissue type, clinical context, and other markers tested alongside CK17.
Why Is an IHC Marker - CK17 Test Done?
The CK17 test helps doctors classify tissue samples precisely, particularly when standard pathology findings are inconclusive or when a specific cancer subtype needs to be identified.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test when investigating the following:
- An abnormal lump or mass found during examination or imaging
- Unexplained weight loss with no clear cause
- Suspicious lesions detected on a scan or X-ray
- Persistent or unusual skin changes
- Changes in the oral mucosa (lining of the mouth)
- Abnormal Pap smear findings
- A tumour that is difficult to classify based on routine pathology alone
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test supports the diagnosis or classification of several conditions. These include:
- Basal-like breast cancer, particularly triple-negative subtypes (tumours that are hormone receptor and HER2 negative)
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral premalignant lesions
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), distinguished from benign pancreatic tissue
- Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix
- Keratoacanthoma versus squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
- Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma
- Urothelial (bladder) carcinoma progression
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC Marker - CK17 test is performed on a tissue specimen in a laboratory. Patients do not visit the lab directly for this test. Here is what you need to know before and during the process.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the IHC test itself. However, if the biopsy procedure used to collect your tissue sample requires sedation or general anaesthesia, your doctor will give you separate fasting instructions before that procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following 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.
- Provide the original histopathology report and any relevant imaging or radiological records when submitting the tissue block.
- Inform your doctor about any blood-thinning medications you take, as these may increase bleeding risk during the biopsy.
- Mention any allergies, bleeding disorders, or other health conditions to your doctor before the biopsy procedure.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A doctor performs a biopsy to collect the tissue sample. Depending on the clinical situation, this may be a needle biopsy (inserting a needle into the target area) or an excisional biopsy (removing the entire lesion).
- The collected tissue is preserved in formalin, a chemical fixative that keeps the cellular structure and proteins intact, and then embedded in paraffin wax to form a tissue block.
- The paraffin-embedded tissue block is submitted to the laboratory, along with the clinical history and histopathology report.
- In the lab, the block is sliced into very thin sections and mounted on glass slides.
- The slides are treated to expose the CK17 protein (antigen retrieval), then incubated with CK17-specific antibodies that bind to the protein if it is present.
- A stain makes the antibody-bound areas visible under a microscope, and a pathologist examines and scores the staining pattern to produce your report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the quality and reliability of CK17 IHC results:
- Poor tissue fixation or delays between biopsy and preservation.
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which may alter protein expression in the tissue.
- The age of the tissue sample, as older specimens may show variable staining.
- Technical factors such as antibody quality, antigen retrieval methods, and laboratory equipment calibration.
Understanding Your IHC Marker - CK17 Test Results
Results from the CK17 IHC test are interpreted by a qualified pathologist alongside your clinical history and other laboratory findings. The table below provides a general guide to what different staining patterns may indicate.
| Result | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative staining | No significant CK17 expression; consistent with normal tissue or non-basal tumour subtypes |
| Weak focal positive | Minimal CK17 expression; may be seen in benign basal cells of certain normal glands |
| Moderate to strong positive | Significant CK17 expression; may support a diagnosis of basal-like breast cancer, OSCC, PDAC, or other basal-type tumours |
| Central staining pattern (with Ki-67) | When seen together, may support keratoacanthoma over squamous cell carcinoma of the skin |
Disclaimer: 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
- Prior treatment with chemotherapy or radiation can change how CK17 protein is expressed in tissue, which may affect staining patterns and interpretation.
- Inflammatory or regenerative changes in tissue may also show altered CK17 expression, as this protein plays a role in basal cell differentiation. Your pathologist will consider these factors when reviewing your sample.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The CK17 test is a diagnostic tool rather than a routine health screening test, so lifestyle changes cannot directly influence its results. However, the following general steps are helpful:
- Follow up promptly with your specialist once results are available, so findings can be placed in the right clinical context.
- Keep all relevant medical records and imaging reports organised and available for your consultation.
- Early engagement with a specialist when abnormalities are detected supports timely and accurate clinical decision-making.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - CK17 Test Price
The IHC Marker - CK17 test starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a tissue biopsy specimen and must be processed at a Lupin Diagnostics laboratory; home collection is not available for this test. The table below shows indicative prices across cities:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
Disclaimer: 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 your tissue block along with the required clinical history and histopathology report.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CK17 IHC test detects the presence of cytokeratin 17 protein in a tissue sample to help classify tumours. It is commonly used in the diagnosis of basal-like breast cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and cervical neoplasia, among other conditions.
The tissue sample is collected by your doctor through a biopsy procedure. The CK17 test is then performed on the preserved tissue block in the laboratory. You do not need to visit the lab separately for sample collection.
No fasting is required for the CK17 IHC test itself. If your biopsy procedure involves sedation or anaesthesia, your doctor will advise you on fasting requirements for that procedure separately.
A positive result means CK17 protein was detected in the tissue sample. This finding must be interpreted by your doctor alongside your clinical history, imaging findings, and other pathology results. A positive result alone does not confirm a cancer diagnosis.
No. The CK17 test is performed on a paraffin-embedded tissue block, which must be obtained through a biopsy procedure by a healthcare provider. Home collection is not available for this test.
The laboratory test itself is carried out entirely on the tissue sample and causes no discomfort to the patient. Any possible discomfort is associated with the biopsy procedure used to collect the tissue, which your doctor will explain and manage separately.
IHC Marker - CK17 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
