IHC Marker-CK19 Test
About IHC Marker-CK19 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cytokeratin 19, CK-19, Keratin 19, KRT19 IHC |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender with suspected epithelial tumours, particularly thyroid, breast, liver, or pancreatic lesions |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-CK19 Test?
The IHC Marker-CK19 test is a laboratory test that detects the presence of cytokeratin 19 (CK19), a protein found in epithelial cells (cells that line organs and body surfaces). It is performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), a method that stains tissue samples with a dye to make specific proteins visible under a microscope. Also known as Cytokeratin 19 or KRT19 IHC, this test is typically ordered by a pathologist or specialist after a biopsy or surgery. It requires a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block as the sample.
What Does an IHC Marker-CK19 Test Measure?
The IHC Marker-CK19 test procedure identifies the presence and pattern of CK19 protein expression within a tissue sample. Here is what is assessed:
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| CK19 protein expression | Whether CK19 is present in the tissue cells |
| Staining intensity | Graded from absent (no staining) to strong (more than 50% of cells stained) |
| Staining distribution | Whether staining is focal (in a small area) or diffuse (spread across the tissue) |
The scoring system classifies staining as: no cells stained (negative), 1 to 25% of cells stained (1+), 26 to 50% stained (2+), and more than 50% of cells stained (3+). A pathologist reviews the pattern to support a diagnosis.
Why is an IHC Marker-CK19 Test Done?
Doctors order this test when a tissue sample needs further characterisation after a biopsy. It helps distinguish between benign and malignant tissue in specific organs.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend the CK19 test when a patient presents with the following:
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- A lump in the breast
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or jaundice
- Suspicious findings on imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC Marker-CK19 result helps in identifying or ruling out several conditions, including:
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma (a common type of thyroid cancer)
- Follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma, distinguished from benign follicular adenoma
- Breast and cervical carcinoma
- Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), differentiated from hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test is performed on tissue collected through a prior biopsy or surgery. The preparation mainly concerns ensuring the tissue sample and clinical records are ready.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. There are no dietary restrictions before the tissue sample is submitted.
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
- Provide the original histopathology report along with relevant clinical and radiological details
- Ensure that the paraffin block containing the tissue sample is available for testing
- Inform your doctor of all current medications you are taking
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC Marker-CK19 test procedure follows these steps:
- A tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by your doctor at a clinical setting.
- The tissue is fixed in formalin for 6 to 72 hours to preserve its structure, then embedded in paraffin wax to create the FFPE block.
- The FFPE block or prepared unstained slides are submitted to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory along with clinical records.
- Thin sections are cut from the block and mounted on glass slides in the laboratory.
- The slides are stained using a dye that reacts specifically with the CK19 protein.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, evaluates the staining intensity and distribution, and prepares the final report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Poor or inadequate tissue fixation before the block is prepared
- Insufficient tissue volume in the biopsy sample
- Delays in sample transport or improper storage
- Incomplete clinical history submitted with the sample
- Technical variation in the antigen retrieval method used in the laboratory
Understanding Your IHC Marker-CK19 Test Results
Results should always be reviewed by a qualified doctor in the context of your complete clinical picture. Below is a general guide to interpreting CK19 staining findings.
| Finding | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative or weak focal staining | Expected pattern in benign tissue; for example, normal thyroid follicular epithelium |
| Focal staining (1+ to 2+) | May be seen in some benign lesions; requires clinical correlation |
| Diffuse strong staining (3+) | Associated with malignant tumours such as papillary thyroid carcinoma |
| Negative in liver tissue | Supports hepatocellular carcinoma; helps rule out cholangiocarcinoma |
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
Certain conditions can affect how results are interpreted:
Focal, weak CK19 staining can occur in chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), a non-cancerous inflammatory condition of the thyroid. This should be distinguished from the diffuse positivity seen in malignancy.
Additionally, some non-cancerous conditions can lead to increased CK19 expression, which is why results must always be reviewed alongside clinical findings.
A negative CK19 result does not rule out cancer entirely, as not all cancers express this protein. Your doctor will consider other markers and tests before reaching a conclusion.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness tips, not treatment recommendations:
- Attend regular medical check-ups if you have thyroid nodules or other lesions under observation
- Avoid smoking and follow a balanced diet to support overall immune function
- Follow your specialist's advice regarding follow-up tests and lifestyle adjustments
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-CK19 Test Price
The IHC Marker-CK19 test cost starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of the FFPE tissue block; home collection is not available for this test.
| 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 for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Marker-CK19 test detects the presence of the cytokeratin 19 protein in tissue samples. It helps pathologists identify and classify carcinomas, particularly those arising from epithelial cells in the thyroid, breast, liver, and pancreas.
The test itself is not painful, as it is carried out on tissue already collected during a biopsy or surgery. Any discomfort is associated with the original biopsy procedure, not the immunohistochemistry staining process performed in the laboratory.
CK19 immunohistochemistry is particularly useful for identifying papillary thyroid carcinoma, breast carcinoma, and cervical carcinoma. It also helps differentiate cholangiocarcinoma, a bile duct cancer, from hepatocellular carcinoma, a liver cancer.
No. This test requires a tissue block prepared from a biopsy or surgery. The formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block must be submitted directly to a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Home collection is not available.
The report is typically delivered within 7 days of the laboratory receiving the tissue block. If you have any concerns about the turnaround time, you may confirm this at the time of IHC Marker-CK19 test booking.
A positive result should be discussed with a specialist, such as an oncologist or endocrinologist. Your doctor will review the result alongside your clinical history and other tests before advising on next steps.
No. CK19 is typically used as part of an immunohistochemistry panel alongside other markers. Studies show that combining CK19 with markers such as HBME-1 offers greater accuracy in distinguishing papillary thyroid carcinoma from benign conditions. Your pathologist will determine which combination of markers is appropriate for your case.
IHC Marker-CK19 Test
