IHC Marker - ETV Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - ETV Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | ETV Immunohistochemistry, ETV IHC, ETV Protein Expression Test, ETS Variant Transcription Factor IHC |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from biopsy or surgery) |
| Fasting Required | No — this test uses a tissue sample, not blood |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Males and females; patients with suspected GIST, prostate cancer, sarcomas, or secretory carcinomas |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - ETV Test?
The IHC Marker - ETV test is a specialised laboratory test that detects ETV (ETS translocation variant) proteins in tumour tissue samples. It is performed using a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC), which uses antibodies to identify specific proteins in cells. Doctors typically order this test after a biopsy to help classify tumours and understand their molecular characteristics. It is also known as ETV Immunohistochemistry or the ETV Protein Expression Test.
What Does an IHC Marker - ETV Test Measure?
This test examines tissue samples for the presence and amount of ETV proteins, which belong to the ETS family of transcription factors — proteins that regulate gene activity and cell growth. The following markers may be assessed depending on the clinical context.
| Marker | Role |
|---|---|
| ETV1 | A lineage marker associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST); helps confirm tumour origin |
| ETV4 | Found at elevated levels in multiple cancer types; higher expression is linked to more aggressive tumour behaviour |
| ETV5 | Part of the same transcription factor subfamily; helps identify certain tumour subtypes |
| ETV6 | Detects specific gene rearrangements, particularly the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion seen in secretory carcinomas |
Why is an IHC Marker - ETV Test Done?
A doctor may order the IHC Marker - ETV test as part of the diagnostic process after a biopsy has been taken. Below are the common reasons it is requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, when combined with abnormal biopsy findings, may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Unexplained abdominal mass or swelling
- Pelvic pain without a clear cause
- Urinary symptoms requiring further investigation
- Abnormal biopsy findings that need further classification
- Tissue masses of uncertain origin
- Suspected cancer recurrence
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
Pathologists use the IHC Marker - ETV test procedure to help identify the following conditions:
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), where ETV1 acts as a lineage marker
- Prostate cancer molecular subtypes, identified through chromosomal rearrangements involving ETV1, ETV4, and ETV5
- Secretory carcinoma of the salivary gland, diagnosed using ETV6 gene rearrangement
- Ewing sarcoma family of tumours, where ETV4, combined with other markers, aids classification
- Round cell sarcomas
- Colorectal cancer molecular subtyping
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Unlike routine blood tests, the IHC Marker - ETV test is performed on tissue that has already been collected through a biopsy or surgery. The preparation steps below relate to submitting the tissue sample correctly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Because it uses a tissue sample rather than blood, there are no dietary restrictions before submission.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Before submitting your sample, keep the following points in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry your formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block from your biopsy or surgery
- Attach the original histopathology report from your initial tissue examination
- Bring a valid prescription from your treating doctor
- Provide information about the site of the specimen and the suspected diagnosis
- Inform the laboratory if you have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy before the biopsy, as this may affect the results
Step-by-Step Procedure
- The tissue block is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. This preserves the tissue structure and is usually done at the time of biopsy.
- The laboratory cuts very thin sections of approximately 4 micrometres from the paraffin block and mounts them on glass slides.
- Antigen retrieval is performed using heat or enzymatic treatment to expose the target proteins, which may have been masked during fixation.
- Specific antibodies are applied to the slides. These antibodies bind to ETV proteins if they are present in the tissue.
- A detection system is used to make the antibody-protein binding visible, typically producing a colour change in stained cells.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and reports the presence, intensity, and distribution of ETV protein staining.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of your test results:
- Time between biopsy and fixation of the tissue
- Quality of tissue fixation and preservation
- Proper antigen retrieval technique in the laboratory
- Antibody specificity and quality used in the test
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which may alter protein expression
- Extended storage of the tissue block before testing
Understanding Your IHC Marker - ETV Test Results
Results from the IHC Marker - ETV test are interpreted by a specialist pathologist in the context of your clinical history and other diagnostic findings. The table below provides a general guide to how results are reported.
| Parameter | Normal Finding | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| ETV1/ETV4/ETV5/ETV6 Expression | Negative or minimal staining in normal tissue | Qualitative assessment by a pathologist |
| Staining Intensity | Reported as 0, 1+, 2+, or 3+ | Higher scores indicate stronger protein expression |
| Percentage of Cells Staining | Varies by tumour type | Interpreted in the context of clinical findings |
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 circumstances can affect how results are interpreted.
Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy before the biopsy may alter protein expression levels in the tissue, making results harder to interpret. Extended delays between biopsy and fixation can affect protein structure and reduce the accuracy of staining. Prolonged storage of FFPE tissue blocks may also lead to a gradual loss of immunoreactivity over time.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While ETV protein expression cannot be managed through lifestyle changes, the following habits support overall health:
- Attend regular health check-ups as advised by your doctor, especially if you have a family history of cancer
- Report any unusual lumps, persistent pain, or unexplained symptoms to your doctor promptly
- Follow up with your oncologist or specialist for a full interpretation of results alongside other clinical findings
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - ETV Test Price
The IHC Marker - ETV test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as it is performed on a tissue block that must be submitted in person. 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 to submit your FFPE tissue block along with your clinical history and histopathology report.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Marker - ETV test is used to detect ETV proteins in tumour tissue. It helps pathologists classify tumour types, identify specific cancer subtypes such as GIST, prostate cancer, and secretory carcinoma, and guide further clinical decisions. It is always used alongside other diagnostic findings.
No, home collection is not available for this test. It requires a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure, which must be submitted to a diagnostic centre.
The report for the IHC Marker - ETV test is typically available within 3 days of the sample being received by the laboratory. Complex cases or additional staining requirements may take longer.
No fasting is required. This test is performed on a tissue sample already collected during a biopsy or surgery, so there are no dietary restrictions involved.
You should bring your FFPE tissue block, the original histopathology report from your initial biopsy, a valid doctor's prescription, and a written clinical history that includes the biopsy site and suspected diagnosis. Clinical history is required for this test.
A positive result means that ETV protein expression was detected in the tissue sample. This helps the pathologist classify the tumour and may point towards specific cancer types. Your oncologist will explain what the result means for your individual case in combination with other findings.
In certain cancers, ETV marker results can provide information that supports treatment planning. For example, the presence of the ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion in secretory carcinoma may indicate a potential therapeutic target. Your oncologist will interpret results as part of your overall treatment assessment.
IHC Marker - ETV Test: Booking, Price, and Results
