IHC Marker - D2-40 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - D2-40 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Podoplanin IHC, D2-40 Immunostain, Podoplanin Antibody Test |
| Sample Type | Tissue biopsy (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block) |
| Fasting Required | No. This is a tissue-based test; no dietary preparation is needed |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; ordered when a cancer diagnosis or lymphatic invasion assessment is required |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - D2-40 Test?
The D2-40 test is an immunohistochemical (IHC) test that detects the protein podoplanin in tissue samples. Podoplanin is found on the inner lining of lymphatic vessels, which are small channels that carry fluid through the body. The test is prescribed when a doctor needs to identify lymphatic vessels in a tissue biopsy, assess whether cancer has spread through the lymphatic system, or classify a specific tumour type. It is also referred to as the Podoplanin IHC test or D2-40 Immunostain.
What Does an IHC Marker - D2-40 Test Measure?
The D2-40 test procedure uses a monoclonal antibody to detect podoplanin protein expression in tissue sections. The test examines several key markers to help the pathologist reach a diagnosis.
| Parameter | What it Shows |
|---|---|
| Lymphatic vessels | Positive staining confirms the presence of lymphatic vessel lining cells |
| Blood vessels | Negative staining, as D2-40 does not react with blood vessel walls |
| Mesothelial cells | Positive staining (along cell borders) helps identify mesothelioma |
| Seminoma cells | Positive staining supports the diagnosis of this type of testicular tumour |
| Adenocarcinoma cells | Negative staining helps distinguish adenocarcinoma from mesothelioma |
Why is an IHC Marker - D2-40 Test Done?
A doctor may request the D2-40 test for several reasons, ranging from investigating an unexplained mass to confirming a specific cancer diagnosis.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may lead a doctor to order a biopsy and subsequent IHC testing, including the D2-40 Immunostain:
- Unexplained lumps or masses detected on imaging or physical examination
- Suspected cancer following an initial biopsy result
- Pleural effusion, which is fluid accumulation around the lungs
- Testicular swelling or a suspected testicular tumour
- Need to determine whether cancer has spread via the lymphatic system
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The D2-40 test is used to help identify or characterise the following conditions:
- Lymph vascular invasion, where cancer cells spread through the lymphatic channels
- Malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen
- Seminoma, a type of testicular germ cell tumour
- Kaposi sarcoma, a cancer affecting the skin and internal organs
- Lymphangioma, a benign tumour of lymphatic origin
- Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, a rare type of cancer arising in lymphoid tissue
- Haemangioblastoma and angiosarcoma with probable lymphatic origin
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the D2-40 test is performed on tissue already collected via biopsy or surgery, there are no special patient preparations in the conventional sense. However, a few important steps apply.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is not performed on blood or urine. It is performed on a tissue sample obtained through a separate biopsy or surgical procedure, so food and drink intake does not affect the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Please keep the following points in mind before submitting your specimen:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about any previous biopsies or surgical procedures performed on the same area
- Let your doctor know about all current medications, as some may be relevant to the clinical context
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps outline how the D2-40 test procedure is carried out from sample submission to result:
- A biopsy or surgical specimen is obtained by a clinician in a hospital or clinical setting (this step occurs before the IHC test is booked).
- The tissue is fixed in formalin, dehydrated, and embedded in a paraffin block to preserve it for analysis.
- Very thin sections (approximately 4 micrometres thick) are cut from the paraffin block and placed on glass slides.
- The D2-40 antibody is applied to tissue sections via immunohistochemical staining.
- The stained slides are examined under a microscope by a qualified pathologist who assesses the staining pattern and intensity.
- The completed report, including the pathologist's findings, is prepared and delivered within the specified turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the quality of the staining and the reliability of the result:
- Inadequate or prolonged formalin fixation of the tissue specimen
- Poor formalin quality or incorrect concentration
- Tissue section thickness, which affects how well the stain is absorbed
- Presence of necrotic (dead) or degenerated tissue, which can stain non-specifically
- Excessively processed tissue, which may reduce staining quality
Understanding Your IHC Marker - D2-40 Test Results
Results are reported as positive or negative staining patterns, along with intensity scoring, and must always be interpreted by a qualified pathologist in the context of your clinical history and other findings.
| Parameter | Expected Finding | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Lymphatic vessels | Positive | Normal lymphatic vessel lining |
| Blood vessels | Negative | Consistent with normal blood vessel structure |
| Mesothelial cells | Positive (membranous) | Supports mesothelioma diagnosis |
| Seminoma cells | Positive | Supports seminoma classification |
| Adenocarcinoma cells | Negative | Helps rule out mesothelioma |
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 tissue characteristics may affect how results are interpreted:
- Myoepithelial cells, which surround glands in the breast, salivary glands, and prostate, consistently show D2-40 positivity. This can complicate interpretation and may lead to false-positive findings in cases of in situ carcinoma.
- In tumours with sarcomatoid differentiation (a change in tumour cell appearance), D2-40 staining may be reduced or may lose its characteristic pattern, making interpretation more challenging.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because the D2-40 Immunostain is a diagnostic test, not a routine wellness screen, there are no specific lifestyle measures that affect its results.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - D2-40 Test Price
The D2-40 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission through a registered collection point, as home collection is not available for tissue-based tests.
| 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.
Home Collection
Because this test requires a tissue specimen from a biopsy or surgical procedure, it cannot be collected at home. The specimen must be prepared and submitted through a clinical setting or a registered Lupin Diagnostics centre.
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 tissue specimen.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The D2-40 test detects the podoplanin protein in tissue samples. It is used to identify lymphatic vessels, assess whether cancer has spread through the lymphatic system, and help diagnose specific tumours such as mesothelioma, seminoma, and Kaposi sarcoma. It is ordered by doctors when biopsy results need further classification.
This test is performed on a tissue specimen obtained through a biopsy or surgery, not on a blood sample. No blood draw or fasting is involved. The D2-40 test procedure takes place entirely in the laboratory, using paraffin-embedded tissue blocks.
The D2-40 Immunostain result must be interpreted in the context of your symptoms, previous investigations, and clinical background. Without this information, the pathologist cannot accurately correlate the staining pattern with a specific diagnosis. Bring all relevant medical records when submitting your specimen.
No. The D2-40 result should always be evaluated alongside other IHC markers, the overall appearance of the tissue, and the patient's clinical history. A qualified pathologist will review all findings together before concluding.
A positive result means the tissue expresses podoplanin protein. Depending on the clinical context, this may indicate the presence of lymphatic vessels, lymphatic invasion by tumour cells, or support the diagnosis of conditions such as mesothelioma or seminoma. Your doctor will explain what a positive result means for your specific situation.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 3 days of the specimen's receipt at the laboratory. Turnaround time may vary if additional IHC markers are requested alongside the D2-40 test.
No. Because this test requires a tissue specimen from a biopsy or surgical procedure, it cannot be collected at home. The specimen must be prepared and submitted through a clinical setting or a registered Lupin Diagnostics centre.
IHC Marker - D2-40 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
