IHC Marker - GFAP Test
About IHC Marker - GFAP Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | GFAP IHC, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Immunostain, GFAP Immunohistochemistry, IHC-GFAP |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block (biopsy or surgically excised tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children with suspected brain or spinal cord tumours; all genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - GFAP Test?
The IHC Marker - GFAP test is a specialised pathology test that detects a protein called Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) in a tissue sample. GFAP is found in glial cells, the supportive cells of the brain and nervous system. Doctors order this test to help identify tumours arising from brain and spinal cord tissue. It is also known as GFAP Immunohistochemistry or GFAP IHC, and the sample used is a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through biopsy or surgery.
What Does an IHC Marker - GFAP Test Measure?
The IHC Marker - GFAP test uses the immunohistochemistry method. Antibodies are applied to a tissue sample and bind to GFAP wherever it is present. A dye attached to the antibodies makes GFAP visible under a microscope, allowing the pathologist to see the location and extent of staining. The following table summarises what the test assesses.
| Parameter | What it Assesses |
|---|---|
| GFAP Expression | Whether the GFAP protein is present (positive) or absent (negative) in the tissue sample |
A positive result points to a glial origin of the tissue, while a negative result suggests the tumour may have originated elsewhere.
Why is an IHC Marker - GFAP Test Done?
A doctor may request the GFAP IHC test when there is clinical suspicion of a brain or nervous system tumour. The following sections explain the common reasons.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The test may be ordered when a patient presents with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Seizures with no prior history
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Changes in vision
- Difficulty with balance or walking
- Memory problems or confusion
- Unexplained changes in mood or personality
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A doctor may use this test to help identify the following conditions:
- Astrocytomas (brain tumours arising from astrocyte cells)
- Gliomas, including glioblastomas and oligodendrogliomas
- Ependymomas (tumours arising from cells lining the brain cavities)
- Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma and other astrocytic tumours
- Astrogliosis, which is a reactive proliferation of astrocytes following brain injury
- Distinguishing primary brain tumours from metastatic tumours (cancers that have spread to the brain from another organ)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No specific preparation is needed by the patient for the IHC Marker - GFAP test procedure, as the sample is a tissue block collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure. The sections below explain what to keep in mind.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Preparation depends on the biopsy or surgical procedure planned by your treating doctor, not on dietary restrictions.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before the sample collection procedure:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant family history, as this is required for the test.
- Bring any previous imaging reports, such as MRI or CT scan results, if available.
- Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, as some may need to be paused before a surgical or biopsy procedure.
- Follow all pre-operative instructions given by your doctor if a surgical biopsy is planned.
- Ensure the biopsy or excision is scheduled as directed by your treating specialist.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC Marker - GFAP test involves the following steps from tissue collection to result:
- The doctor performs a biopsy or surgical removal of the affected tissue from the brain or spinal cord.
- The tissue is placed in a solution of 10% neutral buffered formalin to preserve it, then embedded in a paraffin block.
- The paraffin block is sectioned into thin slices (approximately 5 microns) and mounted on glass slides.
- Antibodies that target GFAP are applied to the tissue sections and allowed to bind.
- A dye is used to mark where the antibodies have attached, making GFAP visible under a microscope.
- The stained slides are dispatched to the laboratory; the report is delivered within 7 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors can affect the quality of the staining result:
- Use of fixatives other than 10% neutral buffered formalin, which may produce unsatisfactory staining
- Inadequate or excessive tissue fixation
- Improper antigen retrieval technique during processing
- Variability in the antibodies used, which can affect the staining pattern
- Tissue that is too small (minimum tissue size is 0.2 cm × 0.2 cm × 0.2 cm)
Understanding Your IHC Marker - GFAP Test Results
The result of this test is qualitative, meaning it is reported as positive or negative rather than as a number. The table below summarises how results are generally interpreted.
| Result | General Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | GFAP protein detected; suggests astrocytic or glial origin of the tissue |
| Negative | GFAP protein not detected; suggests non-glial origin, including metastatic tumours, neuroblastomas, or extra-CNS tumours |
A positive result may indicate astrocytomas, ependymomas, glioblastomas, or astrogliosis. A negative result may suggest metastatic cancer, schwannomas, or tumours originating outside the central nervous system.
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.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since this is a diagnostic tumour marker test, there are no lifestyle changes that alter GFAP expression. The following general steps are advisable:
- Follow up promptly with a neurologist or neurosurgeon if your results are abnormal.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and do not delay further investigations if recommended.
- Discuss any continuing or new neurological symptoms with your doctor without delay.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - GFAP Test Price
The IHC Marker - GFAP test is priced starting at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available, as the sample is a tissue block obtained through a surgical or biopsy procedure at a hospital or medical facility.
| 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 IHC Marker - GFAP test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time and submit your FFPE tissue block as directed.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Marker - GFAP test identifies the presence of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein in tissue samples. It helps doctors determine whether a tumour originates from astrocytes or other glial cells of the brain and nervous system. This information is important for accurate diagnosis and planning of further treatment.
The tissue sample is collected through a biopsy or during surgical removal of a tumour from the brain or spinal cord. The sample is then fixed in formalin and embedded in a paraffin block before being sent to the laboratory. The IHC Marker - GFAP test procedure itself is performed entirely in the laboratory on this preserved tissue.
No. GFAP is primarily a marker for tumours of astrocytic and glial origin. Tumours arising from other cell types, including metastatic cancers that have spread to the brain from another organ, are typically GFAP-negative. Your doctor will usually order a panel of markers alongside this test for a complete picture.
A positive result means GFAP protein has been detected in the tissue, pointing to astrocytic or glial origin. This may indicate conditions such as astrocytoma, glioblastoma, or ependymoma. The result must always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist along with the patient's clinical history and imaging findings.
Doctors often order other IHC markers such as S100, synaptophysin, and NeuN alongside the GFAP IHC test to build a fuller picture of the tumour type. Imaging investigations such as MRI and CT scans are also standard at this stage.
No. This test requires a tissue block obtained through a surgical or biopsy procedure performed at a hospital or specialist facility. The preserved tissue block must then be submitted to a Lupin Diagnostics centre.
The report is delivered within 7 days from the time the tissue block is received at the laboratory. Total time from biopsy to final report may vary depending on the complexity of the case and when the sample is submitted.
IHC Marker - GFAP Test: Booking, Price, and Results
