IHC Marker - CK8 &18 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - CK8 &18 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cytokeratin 8/18 IHC, CK8/18, Keratin 8/18 (KRT8/18), Low Molecular Weight Cytokeratin IHC |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender with suspected carcinoma or tumour requiring tissue origin identification |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - CK8 &18 Test?
The IHC marker - CK8 &18 test is a laboratory technique that uses specialised antibodies to detect the presence of cytokeratin 8 and cytokeratin 18 proteins in a tissue sample. These proteins are structural markers found in epithelial cells, which line the surfaces and organs of the body.
Doctors order this test to help determine whether a tumour is of epithelial origin and to identify the type of cancer present. It is also known as the Cytokeratin 8/18 IHC or Keratin 8/18 (KRT8/18) test.
What Does an IHC Marker - CK8 &18 Test Measure?
This test identifies specific proteins within tissue cells using a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC), where antibodies attach to target proteins and make them visible under a microscope. The following parameters are assessed:
| Parameter | What it Shows |
|---|---|
| CK8/18 Staining | Whether cytokeratin 8 and 18 proteins are present (positive) or absent (negative) in the tissue |
| Staining Pattern | The location of protein expression within the cell; a cytoplasmic pattern is normal |
| Staining Intensity | How strongly the proteins are expressed, reported as weak, moderate, or strong, along with the percentage of positive cells |
Why is an IHC Marker - CK8 &18 Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to identify the nature or origin of a tumour found on biopsy or imaging. It provides critical information that guides further diagnosis and management.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with any of the following:
- An unexplained mass or lump in the body
- Abnormal findings on imaging scans suggestive of a tumour
- Unexplained weight loss with suspected malignancy
- Organ dysfunction without a clear cause
- Suspected spread of cancer (metastatic disease) to other parts of the body
- Tissue abnormalities identified on a previous biopsy report
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CK8/18 IHC test can assist in identifying or ruling out several types of cancer. Below are the key conditions it is used to evaluate:
- Adenocarcinomas of the lung, prostate, colon, pancreas, and ovary
- Mesothelioma (cancer of the lining around organs)
- Renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer)
- Small cell carcinoma
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
- Breast carcinoma subtyping and classification
- Carcinomas of unknown primary site (CUPs), where the original location of cancer is unclear
- Squamous cell carcinomas in specific contexts
How to Prepare and What to Expect
There is no special preparation required before this test, as the sample is tissue already collected through a biopsy or surgery. However, a few practical steps will help ensure the process runs smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The IHC marker - CK8 &18 test procedure is performed on a tissue block, not on a blood or urine sample collected on the day of your visit.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry any existing histopathology reports, radiological images, and clinical details related to your case
- Inform your doctor about any prior cancer treatments or previous biopsy procedures
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what the overall process involves:
- A tissue sample is obtained from the affected area through a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by your doctor.
- The collected tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin to create an FFPE block, which preserves the tissue structure for laboratory analysis.
- At the laboratory, thin sections are cut from the paraffin block, and the paraffin is removed from the sections before staining begins.
- Antibodies specific to cytokeratin 8 and 18 are applied to the tissue sections; these antibodies attach to the target proteins if they are present.
- A detectable marker is added so that the bound antibodies become visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides, records the staining pattern and intensity, and prepares a written report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the reliability of this test. These include:
- Quality of tissue fixation and the time between sample collection and fixation
- Calibration and quality of the antibodies used
- Duration and method of tissue processing
- Proper use of positive and negative controls in the laboratory
- Level of expertise and experience of the reporting pathologist
Understanding Your IHC Marker - CK8 &18 Test Results
Results from this test are qualitative, meaning they are reported as positive or negative rather than as a number. A qualified pathologist interprets the findings in the context of the patient's full clinical picture. The table below outlines what the different results generally indicate.
| Result | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive (cytoplasmic staining) | Tissue is likely of epithelial origin; consistent with carcinoma |
| Positive (pattern varies) | May indicate specific carcinoma subtypes depending on location and intensity |
| Negative | Suggests the tumour may be of mesenchymal or endothelial origin (e.g., sarcoma) |
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 clinical situations can affect the interpretation of this test.
- Approximately 25% of breast carcinomas show partial or complete loss of CK18 expression, which may produce a false-negative result. In such cases, CK8/18 alone may not be sufficient and is typically used alongside other IHC markers.
- Poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas may lose their reactivity for CK8 and CK18, making interpretation more challenging. The pathologist will note this possibility when reviewing results.
- In some adenocarcinomas, reduced CK8/18 expression may be linked to a more advanced disease stage or poorer differentiation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test identifies tumour cell types and is not a routine wellness or screening test. General guidance includes:
- Follow your oncologist's or treating doctor's advice regarding next steps after receiving your report
- Maintain overall health through balanced nutrition and regular medical check-ups
- Keep all follow-up appointments and bring your reports to each consultation
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - CK8 &18 Test Price
The IHC marker - CK8 &18 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 a specialised tissue block submission.
| 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
Follow these steps for the IHC marker - CK8 &18 test online booking:
- 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 - CK8 &18 test is a laboratory method that stains tissue sections with antibodies targeting cytokeratin 8 and 18 proteins. It helps determine whether cells in a tissue sample are of epithelial origin, which is useful in identifying and classifying various types of cancer. The test is performed by a pathologist on a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block.
Doctors order this test to help classify tumours, particularly when the primary site of cancer is unknown. It is also used to distinguish carcinomas from other tumour types such as sarcomas. The results, combined with clinical history and other tests, guide further diagnosis and treatment planning.
The tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure carried out by your doctor before the test is requested. Once collected, the tissue is prepared as an FFPE block and submitted to the laboratory. You do not need to undergo any additional sample collection specifically for this test.
The test itself is performed entirely in a laboratory on tissue that has already been collected. Any discomfort would be associated with the original biopsy procedure, which is carried out under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the site of the biopsy.
No, this test alone cannot confirm a cancer diagnosis. Results are interpreted by a pathologist alongside your clinical history, imaging findings, and other diagnostic tests. Your treating doctor will discuss the findings and recommend any further steps.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report for the CK8/18 IHC test is typically delivered within 3 days. Turnaround time may vary slightly depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional markers are tested alongside.
Yes, the test has some known limitations. Around 25% of breast carcinomas may show partial or complete loss of CK18 expression, which can lead to a false-negative result. For this reason, the IHC marker - CK8 &18 test is often used as part of a broader panel of markers rather than as a standalone test.
IHC Marker - CK8 &18 Test
