IHC Marker - FLI1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - FLI1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | FLI-1 IHC, FLI1 Immunostain, Friend Leukaemia Integration 1 Marker |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, both genders; typically ordered when a tumour is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - FLI1 Test?
The IHC marker - FLI1 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of FLI1 protein in tumour tissue. FLI1, or Friend Leukaemia Integration 1, is a nuclear transcription factor — a protein that helps regulate how genes are expressed in cells. Doctors typically order this test when a biopsy has been performed, and there is clinical suspicion of Ewing sarcoma or certain vascular tumours. The test is also known as FLI-1 IHC or FLI1 Immunostain.
What Does an IHC Marker - FLI1 Test Measure?
This test uses immunohistochemistry (IHC), a method that applies specific antibodies to tissue sections to reveal whether a target protein is present. The test identifies FLI1 protein expression in the tissue sample.
The key aspects assessed are listed below.
| Component | What it Tells Us |
|---|---|
| FLI1 nuclear staining (negative) | FLI1 protein is absent; seen in most normal tissues other than endothelial cells, certain T cells, and megakaryocytes |
| FLI1 nuclear staining (positive) | FLI1 protein is present in tumour cells; may suggest Ewing sarcoma, a vascular tumour, or another FLI1-expressing cancer |
Only nuclear staining is considered a positive result. Internal positive controls, such as endothelial cells lining blood vessels within the tissue, confirm that the test has worked correctly.
Why is an IHC Marker - FLI1 Test Done?
This test is ordered as part of the workup for certain cancers. A pathologist or oncologist will request it based on clinical findings and biopsy results.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test when a patient presents with any of the following symptoms.
- A mass or swelling in a bone or soft tissue
- Persistent bone pain with no clear explanation
- Imaging findings that suggest a tumour
- Unexplained skin lesions or nodules
- Suspected abnormality involving blood vessels
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC FLI1 test is used in the diagnosis of the following conditions.
- Ewing sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET), a rare bone and soft tissue cancer (approximately 90% of cases express FLI1)
- Vascular tumours, including angiosarcomas, haemangioendotheliomas, haemangiomas, and Kaposi sarcoma (FLI1 is expressed in around 94% of vascular tumours)
- Lymphoblastic lymphoma (approximately 85% of cases are FLI1-positive)
- Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer (approximately 90% positive)
- Certain melanomas, lung adenocarcinomas, and erythroleukaemia
The test also helps distinguish Ewing sarcoma, which is typically FLI1-positive, from small cell osteosarcoma and mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, which are usually FLI1-negative.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test is performed on tissue already obtained from a prior biopsy. The preparation steps are straightforward.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the IHC marker - FLI1 test. There are no dietary restrictions before this test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few practical steps help ensure the process goes smoothly.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, as some may potentially affect tissue samples.
- If the test is being ordered on tissue from a prior biopsy, ensure the original tissue block or unstained slides are available and can be sent to the laboratory.
- Ensure previous imaging reports or biopsy findings are also shared with the requesting doctor.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The process for the IHC FLI1 test procedure follows these steps.
- A tissue biopsy is performed by a surgeon or radiologist to collect a sample from the suspected tumour site. This step happens before the IHC test itself.
- The collected tissue is processed into a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block, or unstained slides are prepared from the block at a thickness of approximately 4 to 5 microns.
- The FFPE tissue block is submitted to the pathology laboratory along with the patient's clinical history.
- Laboratory technologists apply FLI1-specific antibodies to the tissue sections using immunohistochemistry techniques.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and assesses the pattern and extent of nuclear staining.
- The pathologist prepares a report, which is reviewed in the context of the patient's clinical history and other test findings.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Use of fixatives other than 10% formalin may not produce satisfactory or comparable results.
- Delay in fixing the tissue after the biopsy can affect protein preservation and staining.
- Inadequate tissue processing or poor-quality sections may make interpretation difficult.
- Cytoplasmic staining (not nuclear) should not be interpreted as a positive result.
Understanding Your IHC Marker - FLI1 Test Results
Results from the IHC marker - FLI1 test must always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist and oncologist alongside clinical findings, imaging, and other diagnostic tests. The table below outlines how results are generally interpreted.
| Finding | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative (absent staining in tumour cells) | FLI1 protein not detected; Ewing sarcoma and FLI1-associated vascular tumours are less likely |
| Positive (staining in 10% or more of tumour cells) | FLI1 protein detected; may suggest Ewing sarcoma, a vascular tumour, lymphoblastic lymphoma, or another FLI1-expressing malignancy |
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
FLI1 protein is not entirely specific to one tumour type. Normal blood vessel endothelial cells, certain immune cells, and megakaryocytes also express FLI1. A positive result must therefore always be interpreted carefully alongside clinical history, imaging, and other pathology findings. Isolated reliance on this marker without a full clinical context can lead to misinterpretation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This is a diagnostic tumour marker test, not a routine health screening test. General lifestyle tips below apply to overall well-being.
- Follow all recommendations given by your oncologist or specialist promptly.
- Attend scheduled follow-up appointments if a lesion or mass has been identified, so that any changes can be monitored closely.
- Maintain a balanced diet and regular physical activity to support overall health during treatment or investigation.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - FLI1 Test Price
The IHC marker - FLI1 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 test is performed on tissue obtained from a biopsy procedure carried out by trained medical professionals.
| 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 for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - FLI1 test is used to detect FLI1 protein in tumour tissue. It is primarily ordered to help diagnose Ewing sarcoma, vascular tumours such as angiosarcoma, and other FLI1-expressing cancers. It forms one part of a broader pathological assessment.
The tissue sample is collected through a biopsy procedure, which may be a surgical biopsy or a needle biopsy. This is performed before the IHC test by a surgeon or radiologist at a hospital or diagnostic centre. The tissue is then processed and sent to the laboratory for staining.
Yes. FLI1 is expressed in a range of tumours, including vascular tumours such as angiosarcoma and haemangioendothelioma, lymphoblastic lymphoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and certain melanomas. A positive result is therefore always assessed alongside other clinical and pathological findings.
No. A negative result makes Ewing sarcoma and FLI1-associated vascular tumours less likely, but does not exclude other types of cancer. Tumours such as rhabdomyosarcoma, small cell osteosarcoma, and desmoplastic small round cell tumour are typically FLI1-negative. Additional tests are usually needed for a complete diagnosis.
No, home collection is not available for this test. The sample is a tissue block obtained through a biopsy, which must be performed in a clinical setting by trained medical professionals. The block is then submitted directly to the laboratory.
The report for the IHC marker - FLI1 test is typically available within 7 working days. This includes the time needed for tissue processing, staining, and pathologist review.
If your FLI1 result is positive, consult an oncologist — a specialist in cancer diagnosis and treatment. They will review the result alongside your clinical history, imaging, and other test findings to recommend the appropriate next steps.
IHC Marker - FLI1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
