IHC Marker - ER (Estrogen Receptor) Test
About IHC Marker - ER (Estrogen Receptor) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | ER IHC, Oestrogen Receptor by Immunohistochemistry, ER Immunostain, Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα) Test |
| Sample Type | Tissue (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy or surgical specimen) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | Male and female patients with suspected or confirmed breast cancer; also used for endometrial or ovarian cancers |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - ER (Estrogen Receptor) Test?
The IHC Marker - ER (Estrogen Receptor) Test examines a tissue sample to detect the presence of oestrogen receptors in cancer cells. It is performed using a laboratory technique called immunohistochemistry, where antibodies are applied to tissue to identify specific proteins. Doctors order this test most commonly after a breast cancer diagnosis to understand the nature of the tumour. It is also known as ER IHC, Oestrogen Receptor by Immunohistochemistry, or the ER Immunostain.
What Does an IHC Marker - ER (Estrogen Receptor) Test Measure?
This test detects and quantifies oestrogen receptor (ER) proteins within tumour cells. The results are expressed as a percentage of cells showing positive staining and are also scored using a system called the Allred Score.
Here is what each reporting category means:
| Parameter | Category | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ER Status | Positive (1% or more of nuclei stained) | Oestrogen receptors are present in tumour cells |
| ER Status | Negative (fewer than 1% of nuclei stained) | Oestrogen receptors are absent or negligible |
| ER Low Positive | 1 to 10% staining | A borderline category; clinical response to hormone therapy is uncertain |
| Allred Score | 0 to 8 (combined proportion and intensity score) | A higher score indicates more receptors present and stronger staining |
Why is an IHC Marker - ER (Estrogen Receptor) Test Done?
This test provides important information about how a tumour behaves and which treatments may be effective. It is a standard part of breast cancer diagnosis and staging.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test when a patient presents with one or more of the following:
- A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest, or armpit
- Skin changes, such as puckering or dimpling, over the breast
- Changes in the nipple, including inversion
- Unusual discharge from the nipple
- A noticeable change in the size or shape of the breast
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC Marker - ER test can provide useful diagnostic and prognostic information in several cancer-related conditions:
- Invasive ductal or lobular carcinoma of the breast
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early form of breast cancer
- Metastatic breast cancer, where receptor status may be re-evaluated
- Endometrial carcinoma, where ER and PR positivity are a favourable prognostic sign
- Ovarian and uterine cancers, where oestrogen receptor expression may be relevant
IHC Marker - ER (Estrogen Receptor) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Patients with a recurrence of breast cancer should have hormone receptor testing repeated so that treatment decisions can be based on current information. ER status can change between the initial diagnosis and a recurrence, particularly in tumours with low receptor expression. Repeat testing helps doctors choose the most appropriate course of action at each stage of care.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before this test, as the sample is a tissue specimen rather than a routine blood or urine sample. The steps below explain what happens from biopsy to reporting.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The sample is collected as part of a biopsy or surgical procedure, which your treating doctor will arrange separately.
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
- Submit your histopathology report, doctor's prescription, and any relevant prior test reports at the time of sample submission
- Inform your doctor about all current medications and supplements, as some may affect the biopsy procedure
- Ensure the tissue sample is collected and preserved correctly by the hospital or biopsy centre handling your procedure
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC Marker - ER test procedure follows these steps once a tissue sample has been obtained:
- A surgeon or oncologist collects a tissue sample through a biopsy or surgical procedure.
- The tissue is fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for a minimum of 6 hours and no longer than 72 hours, then embedded in paraffin wax to preserve it.
- Thin sections of the tissue block are cut and placed on glass slides.
- Specific antibodies are applied to the slides. These bind to oestrogen receptor proteins if they are present in the tissue.
- A colour-producing reaction makes the antibody binding visible under a microscope.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides, scores the percentage of positive tumour cells and staining intensity, and prepares the final report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of IHC ER test results:
- Delay between tissue removal and formalin fixation (cold ischaemia time)
- Fixation duration that is too short or too long
- Use of fixatives other than 10% neutral buffered formalin
- The specific antibody clone used in the laboratory
- Tumours with very low ER expression are particularly susceptible to variation in results
Understanding Your IHC Marker - ER (Estrogen Receptor) Test Results
Results are reported as ER-positive or ER-negative, along with the percentage of stained cells and the Allred Score. Your treating oncologist will interpret these findings together with other clinical information.
| Result | Category | What it Suggests |
|---|---|---|
| 1% to 100% nuclear staining | ER Positive | Oestrogen receptors are present; hormone therapy may be beneficial |
| 1% to 10% nuclear staining | ER Low Positive | Borderline category; limited evidence for hormone therapy benefit |
| Fewer than 1% nuclear staining | ER Negative | Receptors are absent; hormone-based treatment is unlikely to be effective |
| Allred Score 0 to 2 | Negative | No meaningful receptor expression detected |
| Allred Score 3 to 8 | Positive | Varying degrees of receptor expression present |
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
Tissue fixation directly affects the accuracy. Samples fixed for fewer than 6 hours or more than 72 hours may produce false-negative or false-positive results. Using fixatives other than standard 10% neutral buffered formalin can also lead to unreliable staining. In tumours with low ER expression, receptor status may differ between the initial biopsy and a later surgical specimen, which is why re-testing at recurrence is recommended.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness tips are relevant for patients managing a breast cancer diagnosis:
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your oncologist and undergo repeat testing as advised
- Maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity, both of which support overall health during and after treatment
- Discuss any concerns about your results or treatment plan openly with your healthcare team
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - ER (Estrogen Receptor) Test Price
The IHC Marker - ER test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available, as the sample must be a properly preserved tissue block collected during a medical procedure.
| 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
You can book the IHC Marker - ER test online by following these steps:
- 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 sample.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Marker - ER (Estrogen Receptor) test is used to determine whether breast cancer cells carry oestrogen receptors. This information helps doctors decide whether hormone-based therapies are likely to be effective and contributes to overall treatment planning alongside tumour grade and stage.
The sample is a piece of tissue obtained through a biopsy or surgery performed in a hospital or clinic. Your treating surgeon or oncologist arranges this procedure. You do not need any special preparation at home before the collection.
An ER-positive result means that oestrogen receptors are present in the tumour cells. Tumours with these receptors are more likely to respond to hormone-blocking treatments and generally have a more favourable outlook compared to ER-negative cancers. Your oncologist will explain what this means for your specific situation.
Yes. Although breast cancer in men is uncommon, it does occur. The IHC ER test can be performed on breast tissue from male patients to help guide treatment decisions in the same way it does for female patients.
A result that is positive in a biopsy sample can sometimes appear negative in a later surgical specimen. This change occurs most often in tumours that have low ER expression to begin with. Differences in fixation time and tissue handling between procedures can also contribute to this variation.
No. The IHC Marker - ER test requires a tissue sample collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure. This must be done in a clinical setting. Home collection is not available for this test.
Report delivery for the IHC Marker - ER test is 3 days at Lupin Diagnostics. Overall, you can expect your results within 3 working days from the time the laboratory receives the properly preserved tissue sample.
IHC Marker - ER (Estrogen Receptor) Test
