IHC Marker - Glycophorin A Test
About IHC Marker - Glycophorin A Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD235a IHC, Glycophorin A IHC, GPA IHC, Glycophorin A Immunostain, Erythroid Marker IHC |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages when investigating erythroid lineage conditions |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - Glycophorin A Test?
The IHC marker Glycophorin A test detects the presence of glycophorin A (also called CD235a), a protein found on red blood cells and their precursors. It is performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), a laboratory technique that uses antibodies to identify specific proteins within a tissue sample. Doctors order this test to confirm whether abnormal cells in a tissue specimen belong to the erythroid lineage, the family of cells that produce red blood cells. It is also referred to as the Glycophorin A IHC or CD235a IHC test.
What Does an IHC Marker - Glycophorin A Test Measure?
This test identifies the expression of the glycophorin A protein within a tissue sample. The table below explains what is being assessed.
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| Glycophorin A (CD235a) expression | Confirms whether cells in the sample belong to the erythroid (red blood cell) lineage |
| Erythroid precursor identification | Detects early-stage red blood cell-forming cells in bone marrow tissue |
| Staining pattern (positive or negative) | Helps distinguish erythroid leukaemia from other types of blood cancer |
Why is an IHC Marker - Glycophorin A Test Done?
A doctor may request an IHC marker - Glycophorin A test when investigating abnormalities in the blood or bone marrow. The sections below outline the common reasons.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt a doctor to investigate erythroid lineage conditions using this test.
- Unexplained anaemia (low red blood cell count) that does not respond to standard treatment
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Pancytopenia, which means low counts of all three blood cell types simultaneously
- Bone pain, particularly in the hips, spine, or long bones
- Recurrent infections suggesting immune system involvement
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Unexplained fever lasting more than a few days
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps a pathologist identify or rule out the following conditions.
- Acute erythroid leukaemia (AEL), a rare blood cancer involving abnormal growth of erythroid precursor cells
- Pure erythroid leukaemia, a subtype identified by a high proportion of immature erythroblasts
- Erythroleukaemia, which involves both erythroid and myeloid cell abnormalities
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a group of disorders causing abnormal blood cell production
- Non-erythroid tumours, where a negative result helps exclude red blood cell lineage as the origin
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC marker - Glycophorin A test procedure does not require much preparation from the patient, but a few practical steps will help ensure smooth collection and accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. The test is carried out on a tissue specimen that has already been collected. However, if your doctor has scheduled a bone marrow biopsy to obtain the specimen, they may advise fasting beforehand, particularly if sedation is used during the procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help you prepare for the tissue collection procedure.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, especially blood thinners, as these may need to be paused before a biopsy
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to the biopsy site
- Arrange for someone to accompany you to the appointment, particularly if sedation is involved
- Ensure the tissue specimen is preserved in 10% formalin immediately after collection to maintain sample integrity
Step-by-Step Procedure
The test itself is performed in the laboratory on tissue that has been collected and prepared. Here is what the process involves.
- A tissue or bone marrow biopsy is performed by a doctor in a clinical setting to obtain the specimen.
- The specimen is fixed in 10% formalin to preserve the tissue, then embedded in a paraffin wax block.
- Thin sections of the block are cut and mounted onto microscope slides in the laboratory.
- Antibodies specific to Glycophorin A (CD235a) are applied to the tissue sections to detect the target protein.
- A coloured dye (chromogen) is added, making any Glycophorin A-positive cells visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides alongside your clinical history and issues a report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence how reliably the test detects Glycophorin A in the tissue sample.
- Poor tissue fixation, such as using a fixative other than 10% formalin, can alter protein detection
- Delays between biopsy collection and formalin fixation may affect protein structure
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy may modify how proteins are expressed in the tissue
- Older paraffin sections (cut more than six weeks before testing) may show reduced staining intensity
- Technical variables in the laboratory, including antibody quality and equipment calibration, can affect results
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Glycophorin A Test Results
Results from this test are interpreted by a pathologist alongside your clinical details and other investigations. The table below summarises what positive and negative staining generally indicates.
| Staining Result | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | Normal erythroid cells, acute erythroid leukaemia (AML-M6), erythroleukaemia, or pure erythroid leukaemia |
| Negative | Non-erythroid cell lineage; typical in AML subtypes M0 to M5 and M7; helps exclude erythroid origin |
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 conditions at the time of testing may influence how results are read.
The age of the cut paraffin section affects staining quality. Sections cut more than six weeks before testing may show reduced immunoreactivity, and results should be interpreted with this in mind. Additionally, tissue fixed in a fixative other than 10% neutral buffered formalin may produce unreliable staining, which the pathologist will account for when reporting.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is used to investigate specific medical conditions rather than routine wellness, the following general tips support healthy red blood cell production.
- Eat a balanced diet that includes sources of iron (lentils, leafy greens, red meat), vitamin B12 (eggs, dairy, fish), and folate (legumes, citrus fruits)
- Report any persistent fatigue, pallor, or unusual bleeding to your doctor without delay
- Attend all follow-up appointments recommended by your physician after receiving your results
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Glycophorin A Test Price
The IHC marker - Glycophorin A test starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as it is performed on a tissue specimen processed in a specialised laboratory. Home collection is not available for this test.
| 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 to book your IHC marker - Glycophorin A test online booking through 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 a sample, or as directed by your doctor.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test identifies whether cells in a tissue sample belong to the erythroid (red blood cell) lineage. It is used primarily to help diagnose conditions such as acute erythroid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome by detecting the CD235a protein in bone marrow or other tissue specimens.
The sample is usually collected through a bone marrow biopsy, where a small piece of bone marrow tissue is removed, typically from the hip bone, using a specialised needle under local anaesthesia. The specimen is then preserved and sent to the laboratory.
The laboratory test is performed on a tissue block and does not cause any discomfort. The bone marrow biopsy used to obtain the specimen may cause brief soreness at the site, though local anaesthesia is used to minimise pain during the procedure.
A positive result indicates the presence of erythroid lineage cells in the tissue. In the context of a suspected blood disorder, this finding may support a diagnosis of acute erythroid leukaemia or a related condition. Your pathologist and treating doctor will interpret the result in the context of your full clinical picture.
No. This test requires a tissue biopsy specimen collected in a clinical setting. The sample must then be processed and analysed in a specialised laboratory with immunohistochemistry equipment, so home collection is not possible.
Results are typically available within 3 days of the specimen reaching the laboratory. Your report will be shared digitally via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Yes, clinical history is required for this test. Bring details of your symptoms, any previous test results, and relevant medical background when submitting your specimen. This information helps the pathologist interpret the staining results accurately.
IHC Marker - Glycophorin A Test
