IHC Marker - Factor VIII Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - Factor VIII Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Factor VIII-Related Antigen (FVIII-RAg) IHC, von Willebrand Factor (vWF) IHC, Factor 8 Related Antigen Immunostain |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No. This is a tissue-based test, not a blood test |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders, primarily when a vascular tumour is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - Factor VIII Test?
The IHC marker - Factor VIII test uses a laboratory technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect Factor VIII-related antigen in tissue samples. This protein, also known as von Willebrand factor (vWF), is produced almost exclusively by endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels.
The test helps pathologists determine whether a tumour has arisen from blood vessel tissue. It is also called Factor VIII-Related Antigen (FVIII-RAg) IHC, von Willebrand Factor (vWF) IHC, or Factor 8 Related Antigen Immunostain. The sample is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained via biopsy or surgical procedure.
What Does an IHC Marker - Factor VIII Test Measure?
This test looks for a specific protein in tissue and reports whether cells stain positive or negative for it. The table below explains what is being assessed.
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| Factor VIII-related antigen (FVIII-RAg) | Confirms that cells have an endothelial (blood vessel lining) origin |
| Von Willebrand factor (vWF) | A glycoprotein stored in endothelial cells and platelet-producing cells; used to identify blood vessels in tissue |
| Staining pattern | Positive staining appears in the cytoplasm (cell body) of endothelial cells, megakaryocytes, platelets, and mast cells |
| Staining intensity | Reported as weak, moderate, or strong; helps the pathologist assess tumour differentiation |
Why is an IHC Marker - Factor VIII Test Done?
Doctors order this test when a tissue sample needs to be examined for a suspected vascular (blood vessel) tumour or for signs that a cancer has invaded blood vessels.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a biopsy and subsequent IHC testing:
- An unexplained lump or mass anywhere on the body
- Purple or red skin patches that do not resolve
- Swelling in a limb or soft tissue area
- Bleeding from a tumour or wound that does not heal
- Abnormal vascular growth detected on imaging (ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan)
- Suspected spread of cancer through blood vessels
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used to support the diagnosis of several conditions involving blood vessel cells:
- Angiosarcoma (a malignant tumour arising from blood vessel endothelial cells)
- Kaposi sarcoma (a vascular tumour linked to human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection)
- Haemangioma and angiokeratoma (benign growths of blood vessel origin)
- Vascular invasion by other malignant tumours (cancer spreading through blood vessels)
- Blast cells in acute megakaryocytic leukaemia, a blood cancer affecting platelet-producing cells
How to Prepare and What to Expect
As this is a tissue-based test, preparation differs from that for a routine blood test. The steps below explain what is involved.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The IHC marker - Factor VIII test is performed on a tissue specimen, not on blood or urine.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before submitting your tissue sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Bring any previous histopathology or pathology reports related to the same specimen or condition
- Inform the pathologist of the site from which the specimen was taken and any suspected diagnosis
- The biopsy or surgical procedure to collect the tissue is a separate clinical step arranged by your treating doctor
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker - Factor VIII test procedure follows standard tissue processing steps once the specimen has been collected:
- A doctor or surgeon collects tissue via biopsy or surgery and immediately places it in formalin to preserve its structure.
- The tissue is processed and embedded in paraffin wax to form a solid block, which allows very thin slices to be cut.
- Thin sections are cut from the FFPE tissue block and mounted on glass slides.
- Antigen retrieval is carried out (typically using a sodium citrate buffer method) to unmask the Factor VIII-related antigen protein within the tissue.
- Specific antibodies are applied to the slide; these bind to the target protein and are then made visible with a coloured dye (chromogen) under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides, interprets the staining pattern, and prepares a written report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliably this test detects Factor VIII-related antigen:
- Quality of tissue fixation: Poor or delayed formalin fixation reduces staining reliability
- Duration and temperature used during antigen retrieval
- High-grade (poorly differentiated) vascular tumours may show weak or absent staining, as they have fewer storage granules
- Enzyme pre-treatment of slides (such as trypsin) can improve detection sensitivity
- Use of appropriate positive and negative control tissues during laboratory processing
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Factor VIII Test Results
A pathologist, using clinical information and imaging findings, interprets the results of this test. The table below outlines how staining results are generally understood.
| Result | Interpretation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Positive staining | Supports endothelial (blood vessel) cell origin | Cytoplasmic staining pattern; intensity varies |
| Negative staining | Absence of endothelial differentiation in the sampled area | Additional markers such as CD31 or CD34 may be needed |
| Variable intensity | May indicate tumour grade or degree of differentiation | Reported qualitatively by the pathologist |
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 types and tumour characteristics can affect staining:
- Fast-Growing Cells Stain Brighter: In a tumour, the active, rapidly growing blood vessel cells usually stain much brighter than healthy, normal cells.
- Results Vary by Organ: Blood vessel cells in organs like the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes can show mixed or unpredictable results. The pathologist (the doctor examining the tissue) is trained to look out for this when reading your results.
- Aggressive Tumours Can Hide: In aggressive, fast-growing types of this cancer (high-grade angiosarcomas), the Factor VIII test only catches the cancer in about 10% to 15% of cases. Because it can easily miss these tumours, doctors will almost always run a team of other tests alongside it to be safe.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This is a diagnostic test rather than a monitoring test, so there are no specific lifestyle changes that alter its results. However, some general points are worth noting:
- Routine health check-ups help detect abnormal growths at an earlier stage.
- If you have risk factors such as chronic lymphoedema, prior radiation exposure, or immunosuppression, discuss appropriate follow-up with your doctor.
- Attend all follow-up appointments recommended by your treating specialist after results are available.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Factor VIII Test Price
The IHC marker - Factor VIII test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a tissue specimen and must be processed at a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available.
| 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.
How to Book
Follow these steps for the IHC marker - Factor VIII test online booking or at a centre:
- 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 or tissue slides.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days of sample submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test detects Factor VIII-related antigen in tissue samples to determine whether a tumour has a blood vessel (vascular) origin. It is used to support the diagnosis of conditions such as angiosarcoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and haemangioma, and to identify vascular invasion by other cancers.
The tissue is collected through a separate biopsy or surgical procedure arranged by your treating doctor. The specimen must be fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin before it can be submitted for IHC marker Factor VIII testing.
No, this test alone cannot confirm a diagnosis of angiosarcoma. While a positive Factor VIII test shows that the cells are from blood vessels, it isn't perfect at catching every case. This is especially true for aggressive, fast-growing tumours (high-grade tumours), where the test might completely miss the cancer. Pathologists typically use a panel of markers, including CD31, CD34, and ERG, alongside Factor VIII to reach an accurate diagnosis.
No, they are entirely different tests. The IHC test detects Factor VIII-related antigen in tissue to identify blood vessel cells. Blood clotting tests measure circulating Factor VIII activity in the bloodstream, which is relevant for bleeding disorders such as haemophilia.
Factor VIII IHC has limited sensitivity, especially in poorly differentiated tumours. High-grade angiosarcomas, for example, may test positive in only 10 to 15% of cases. A negative result does not rule out a vascular tumour; the pathologist will consider additional markers and clinical context.
At Lupin Diagnostics, results are typically available within 3 days of the sample being received. Turnaround may vary depending on the complexity of the required panel and the condition of the submitted tissue.
No. IHC marker - Factor VIII test home collection is not available, as it is performed on a tissue block obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure in a clinical setting.
IHC Marker - Factor VIII Test: Booking, Price, and Results
