IHC Marker - GATA3 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - GATA3 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | GATA Binding Protein 3, GATA-3 IHC, GATA3 Immunostain |
| Sample Type | Tissue (FFPE tissue block from biopsy or surgical specimen) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender with suspected breast or urothelial (bladder) cancer; individuals with metastatic tumours of unknown origin |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - GATA3 Test?
The IHC marker - GATA3 test is a specialised tissue-based test that detects the presence of the GATA3 protein in tumour cells using a technique called immunohistochemistry. GATA3 is a protein that helps control gene activity and plays a key role in the development of breast tissue, bladder lining, and certain immune cells. Also known as GATA Binding Protein 3 or GATA3 Immunostain, this test is typically ordered when a doctor suspects breast or bladder cancer, or when the origin of a metastatic tumour is unclear.
What Does an IHC Marker - GATA3 Test Measure?
The GATA3 test analyses whether the GATA3 protein is present in the nuclei (central core) of tumour cells. Only staining seen within the cell nucleus counts as a positive result. The table below summarises what the test assesses.
| Component | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Nuclear staining pattern | Whether the GATA3 protein is expressed in tumour cell nuclei |
| Staining intensity | How strongly the protein is expressed (weak, moderate, or strong) |
| Staining extent | The percentage of tumour cells showing positivity |
A result is generally considered positive when more than 5% of malignant cells show nuclear staining. Staining intensity and extent are both recorded by the pathologist.
Why is an IHC Marker - GATA3 Test Done?
The IHC marker - GATA3 test is used to help doctors identify where a cancer has originated and to characterise tumour type. Here is a closer look at its clinical uses.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test following a biopsy when there are signs or findings suggestive of the conditions below.
- A newly detected breast lump or breast tissue abnormality
- Blood in urine or suspected bladder tumour
- Enlarged lymph nodes with no clear cause
- A tumour found at a secondary site with no identified primary origin
- Abnormal imaging findings in the breast or urinary tract
- Tissue biopsy showing cancer cells of uncertain type
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used as part of a diagnostic panel to help identify or distinguish the following conditions.
- Primary breast carcinoma (cancer originating in the breast)
- Urothelial carcinoma (cancer of the bladder lining or urinary tract)
- Metastatic tumours of unknown primary origin
- Paragangliomas and certain neuroectodermal tumours
- Salivary gland tumours and some skin tumours
- Distinguishing urothelial carcinoma from prostate, cervical, or anal carcinomas
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The GATA3 test procedure involves tissue collected during a biopsy or surgery. No special preparation is needed for the staining test itself.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The test is performed on a tissue sample, not a blood or urine sample, so dietary intake has no bearing on the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your biopsy or sample submission.
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Follow all pre-biopsy instructions provided by your treating doctor or surgeon
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, especially blood thinners
- No dietary or lifestyle restrictions are needed specifically for this staining test
Step-by-Step Procedure
The GATA3 test procedure involves several laboratory steps after your tissue sample is collected.
- A tissue sample is collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure at a medical facility and fixed in formalin (a preservative solution) to maintain its structure.
- The preserved tissue is embedded in paraffin wax to create a firm block, known as an FFPE tissue block.
- The block is sliced into very thin sections and mounted on glass slides.
- A laboratory specialist applies a GATA3 antibody to the slides; the antibody binds to the GATA3 protein when present in the tissue.
- A dye makes the antibody binding visible under a microscope, and the slides are examined by a pathologist.
- The pathologist scores the result based on the pattern, intensity, and extent of nuclear staining and prepares the report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the quality and interpretation of results.
- Quality of tissue fixation and preservation before processing
- The specific antibody clone and detection system used
- Technical variables such as antigen retrieval method and incubation time
- Adequacy and size of the tissue sample submitted
- Tumour differentiation status, which can affect GATA3 expression levels
Understanding Your IHC Marker - GATA3 Test Results
Results from the GATA3 test are interpreted by a qualified pathologist alongside clinical information, imaging, and other tests. The table below provides a general guide for interpreting results.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive (nuclear staining present) | GATA3 protein is expressed, suggesting possible breast or urothelial origin |
| Negative (no nuclear staining) | GATA3 protein is absent, making breast or urothelial origin less likely |
Breast carcinomas typically show strong, widespread staining, while urothelial carcinomas show moderate to strong staining. Around 94% of breast carcinomas and 86% of urothelial carcinomas test positive for GATA3. A negative result may indicate that the tumour originates from a different organ, as non-mammary cancers of the lung, colon, pancreas, and ovary are typically GATA3-negative.
"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 factors may affect how results are interpreted.
GATA3 expression is generally lower in high-grade and muscle-invasive urothelial carcinomas than in low-grade or superficial tumours.
Triple-negative breast cancer also shows lower GATA3 positivity, approximately 20 to 37%.
GATA3 is not entirely specific to breast and urothelial cancers; it can also be positive in salivary gland tumours, some skin cancers, mesothelioma, and certain pancreatic tumours, so results must always be interpreted in the context of the full clinical picture.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
As this is a diagnostic test for tumour identification rather than a routine wellness marker, standard health tips do not apply in the same way. The following general points are relevant.
- Attend regular cancer screening appointments appropriate for your age and risk profile
- Report any new or persistent symptoms or changes in swelling to your doctor promptly
- Follow your doctor's guidance on follow-up tests or specialist referrals after receiving your result
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - GATA3 Test Price
The GATA3 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of a tissue block collected at a medical facility. 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
Follow these steps to book the GATA3 test online at Lupin Diagnostics.
- 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 sample, or arrange for your FFPE tissue block to be delivered to the nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - GATA3 test helps doctors identify whether a tumour originates from the breast or bladder. It is typically used as part of a panel of antibody tests, alongside clinical history and other investigations, to characterise cancers and determine their origin.
The tissue sample is collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure at a hospital or clinic. It is then fixed, processed into a paraffin block, and sent to the laboratory for staining and analysis. No separate sample collection is required after the initial procedure.
Not necessarily. While GATA3 is highly associated with breast and urothelial carcinomas, it can also be positive in certain other tumours, including salivary gland tumours, paragangliomas, some skin cancers, and mesothelioma. A pathologist interprets the result in the context of all available clinical information.
The GATA3 test is positive in approximately 80-90% of primary and metastatic breast carcinomas. Sensitivity is lower in triple-negative breast cancers, with positivity rates ranging from 20% to 37%. Your pathologist will factor this into their overall assessment.
Yes. When a tumour is found at a secondary site and the primary origin is unknown, GATA3 is commonly included in the initial screening panel if breast or urothelial cancer is suspected. A positive result can help guide further investigation and treatment planning.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically available within 3 days of sample receipt. Turnaround times may vary based on sample quality and laboratory scheduling.
No. The GATA3 test requires a tissue sample from a biopsy or surgical procedure, which must be performed at a medical facility. The FFPE tissue block is then submitted to a Lupin Diagnostics centre for processing and analysis.
IHC Marker - GATA3 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
