IHC Marker - GCDFP15 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - GCDFP15 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | GCDFP-15, Gross Cystic Disease Fluid Protein-15, BRST-2, Prolactin-Inducible Protein (PIP), gp17 |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No. This test is performed on tissue collected during a biopsy, not a fresh blood or urine sample |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders; primarily ordered for patients with suspected breast cancer, metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin, or Paget disease |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - GCDFP15 Test?
The IHC marker - GCDFP15 test is an immunohistochemical (IHC) test that detects the presence of Gross Cystic Disease Fluid Protein-15 in tumour tissue. IHC is a laboratory technique that uses antibodies to identify specific proteins in preserved tissue samples. Also known as GCDFP-15, BRST-2, or Prolactin-Inducible Protein, this marker is used by pathologists to determine whether a cancer has originated from breast tissue. The test is performed on a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a biopsy.
What Does an IHC Marker - GCDFP15 Test Measure?
The GCDFP-15 test detects the expression of a 15-kilodalton glycoprotein (a protein with sugar molecules attached) in tissue cells. The following components are evaluated during the test.
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| GCDFP-15 Expression | Whether the protein is present (positive) or absent (negative) in the tissue |
| Staining Intensity | How strongly the protein is expressed, scored as 0 (none), 1+ (weak), 2+ (moderate), or 3+ (strong) |
| Percentage of Positive Cells | The proportion of cells in the sample that show GCDFP-15 staining |
A case is generally considered positive when it achieves an Allred score of 4 or more. GCDFP-15 is particularly associated with apocrine differentiation, meaning it is expressed in tissues that share characteristics with apocrine sweat glands, including breast epithelial cells.
Why is an IHC Marker - GCDFP15 Test Done?
A doctor may request the GCDFP-15 test when biopsy tissue requires further analysis to confirm the origin of abnormal cells. Several clinical situations may call for this test.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may lead a doctor to recommend a biopsy and subsequent IHC testing.
- A palpable lump or mass in the breast
- Unexplained lymph node swelling
- Metastatic lesions where the primary cancer site is unknown
- Skin changes around the breast or nipple area
- Skin lesions resembling eczema, which may suggest Paget disease
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker - GCDFP15 test assists pathologists in evaluating a range of conditions.
- Metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary origin, to assess possible breast origin
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (the most common form of breast cancer)
- Apocrine breast carcinoma, a rare subtype that frequently expresses this marker
- Extramammary Paget disease, where GCDFP-15 helps distinguish primary from secondary disease
- Carcinomas of the salivary glands, sweat glands, and prostate
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on tissue already collected during a biopsy, there is no special dietary or physical preparation for the patient. The following guidance covers what to expect before and during the process.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The GCDFP-15 test procedure uses a preserved tissue block from a previously completed biopsy, so no new biological sample is drawn from the patient.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps help ensure the test can be completed accurately.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Bring the paraffin tissue block or unstained slides as advised by the laboratory
- Ensure unstained slides are submitted within 6 weeks of cutting for the best results
- Inform the laboratory if you have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy before the biopsy, as this can affect protein expression
Step-by-Step Procedure
- The FFPE tissue block and the corresponding haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slide are submitted to the histopathology laboratory, or precut slides in 5-micron sections are provided.
- The slides are treated through antigen retrieval, a heat-based process at pH 6 or pH 9, to expose the GCDFP-15 protein.
- The slides are then incubated with the primary GCDFP-15 antibody, which binds to the target protein if present.
- After blocking background activity, secondary antibodies and specialised staining kits are applied to make the bound antibody visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides and scores the results based on staining intensity and the percentage of positive cells.
- A written report is prepared and delivered within the stipulated turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of the test result.
- Quality of tissue fixation: optimal fixation in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for 12 to 24 hours is recommended
- Delays between biopsy collection and fixation, which can alter protein structure
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation treatment before the biopsy was taken
- Age of the tissue sample and the technical quality of antibody reagents and laboratory equipment
Understanding Your IHC Marker - GCDFP15 Test Results
Results are reported as positive or negative and are interpreted by a pathologist in the context of your full clinical picture. No single IHC marker is sufficient on its own for a definitive diagnosis.
| Finding | What It May Suggest |
|---|---|
| Positive (Allred score 4 or more) | GCDFP-15 protein is present, suggesting possible breast, apocrine gland, or salivary gland origin |
| Negative | GCDFP-15 protein is absent; does not rule out breast cancer; common in triple-negative breast carcinomas |
| Weak to moderate staining (1+ or 2+) | May occur in lower-grade tumours or at the margins of strongly staining areas |
| Strong staining (3+) | Seen more often in well-differentiated breast carcinomas and those with apocrine differentiation |
Approximately 70% of breast carcinomas stain positive for GCDFP-15. A negative result does not exclude breast cancer, as sensitivity for this marker ranges from 23% to 73%. Other markers such as mammaglobin or GATA-3 are often tested alongside GCDFP-15.
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 clinical factors can influence how results appear.
Previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment before the biopsy may modify GCDFP-15 protein expression, making results harder to interpret. Tissue that has not been fixed within the recommended 12 to 24 hours may show altered staining patterns. Weak background staining near strongly staining areas can also occur due to antigen diffusion.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a diagnostic cancer marker rather than a routine wellness indicator, conventional "healthy levels" advice does not apply. The following general guidance is relevant for those who have undergone this test.
- Follow your oncologist's recommendations regarding further investigations based on the test report.
- Attend scheduled follow-up appointments and do not delay seeking a specialist's opinion after receiving results.
- Maintain regular health screenings if you are at increased risk for breast cancer.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - GCDFP15 Test Price
The GCDFP-15 test starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available, as it involves specialised histopathology processing of a tissue sample.
| 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
The following steps outline how to arrange your GCDFP-15 test online booking 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 the sample.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - GCDFP15 is used by pathologists to determine whether a cancer has originated from breast tissue. It is particularly useful when a metastatic tumour is found, and the primary site is not known. The test is also used to evaluate certain skin and gland-related cancers.
No fresh sample collection is required from the patient. The GCDFP-15 test procedure uses tissue already obtained during a biopsy. The preserved tissue block or prepared slides from that biopsy are submitted directly to the laboratory.
A positive result means the GCDFP-15 protein was detected in the tissue, suggesting the tumour may have a breast or apocrine gland origin. However, a pathologist must review the result alongside other IHC markers and clinical findings before a final diagnosis is made.
No. A negative GCDFP-15 test result does not exclude breast cancer. The marker has variable sensitivity, and many breast cancers, particularly triple-negative types, do not express this protein. Your doctor may order additional markers to complete the picture.
Yes. Positive staining can also be seen in extramammary Paget disease and in carcinomas of the salivary glands, sweat glands, and prostate. This is why the result is always interpreted alongside other markers and clinical information.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically delivered within 3 days. The exact turnaround time may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the panel of markers requested.
Yes, it often is. Pathologists frequently test GCDFP-15 together with other breast markers such as mammaglobin and GATA-3 to improve diagnostic accuracy, especially when identifying the origin of a metastatic tumour. Your treating doctor will decide which combination of markers is most appropriate for your case.
IHC Marker - GCDFP15 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
