IHC Marker - Granzyme B Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - Granzyme B Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | GZMB IHC, Granzyme B Immunostain, Granzyme B Immunohistochemistry, GrB IHC |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; ordered when lymphoma or cytotoxic cell involvement is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - Granzyme B Test?
The IHC marker - Granzyme B test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the Granzyme B protein in tissue samples using immunohistochemistry (a technique that uses antibodies to identify specific proteins in tissue). It is ordered by pathologists and oncologists when a lymphoma or related blood cancer is suspected. The test is performed on a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block, a biopsy specimen preserved in formalin and embedded in wax. It is also known as GZMB IHC, Granzyme B Immunostain, or GrB IHC.
What Does an IHC Marker - Granzyme B Test Measure?
The IHC marker - Granzyme B test evaluates the presence and distribution of the Granzyme B protein within tumour tissue. The table below summarises what the test assesses.
| Component | What It Reveals |
|---|---|
| Granzyme B protein | A serine protease (an enzyme that breaks down proteins) stored in the granules of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells; its presence indicates a cytotoxic cell phenotype |
| Cytoplasmic staining pattern | Positive staining appears in the cytoplasm (the area inside the cell, outside the nucleus), confirming the expression of this protein in tumour cells |
The result is reported as qualitative: either positive (protein detected) or negative (protein not detected).
Why is an IHC Marker - Granzyme B Test Done?
This test is used to classify certain types of lymphoma and other blood cancers. Knowing whether tumour cells express Granzyme B helps pathologists determine the precise cancer subtype.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or abdomen
- Unexplained fever, night sweats, or unintended weight loss (collectively called B symptoms)
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue
- Skin lesions or nodules
- Nasal congestion or recurring nosebleeds
- Abdominal discomfort or a sensation of fullness
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Granzyme B immunostain is used to identify and classify several conditions, including:
- Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
- NK/T-cell lymphomas, including nasal T/NK-cell lymphoma
- Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma
- Intestinal T-cell lymphoma, including enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma
- Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma
- Large granular lymphocytic leukaemia
- Triple-negative breast cancer (as a prognostic marker in PD-L1-positive cases)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on tissue collected during a biopsy, there is no direct sample collection procedure for the patient at the time of IHC testing. The following information covers what to know before and during the process.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The IHC marker - Granzyme B test is carried out on a tissue sample, not a blood draw, so food and drink do not affect the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your tissue sample is submitted for testing:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Ensure your biopsy specimen is properly preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin immediately after collection
- Optimal fixation time is 12 to 24 hours and should not exceed 48 hours
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some may need to be paused before the biopsy procedure
- Follow your treating physician's specific instructions for the biopsy procedure itself
Step-by-Step Procedure
The Granzyme B IHC test procedure involves the following steps:
- The treating physician collects a tissue sample through a biopsy procedure at a clinical setting.
- The tissue is fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and embedded in a paraffin wax block (FFPE block).
- The paraffin block is cut into very thin sections (4 to 5 microns thick) and mounted on glass slides.
- The Granzyme B antibody is applied to the tissue sections using the immunohistochemistry technique.
- Slides are processed and stained in the laboratory.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and records whether staining is positive or negative.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may affect the quality of staining and, therefore, the accuracy of results:
- Use of fixatives other than 10% neutral buffered formalin may produce unsatisfactory staining
- Fixation time outside the recommended 12 to 48-hour window
- Age of the paraffin section (best results are obtained when sections are cut within 6 weeks)
- Absence of proper positive and negative control slides
- Pathologist experience with cytotoxic lymphoma markers
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Granzyme B Test Results
Results should always be reviewed with a qualified pathologist and your treating specialist. The table below explains the general interpretation of findings.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | Granzyme B protein is detected in the cytoplasm of tumour cells, indicating a cytotoxic phenotype typical of activated T cells or NK cells |
| Negative | No Granzyme B staining detected; the tumour does not appear to have cytotoxic characteristics, or additional markers may be needed |
A positive result may indicate cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma, NK/T-cell lymphoma, or anaplastic large cell lymphoma, among other subtypes. A negative result may suggest lymphoma subtypes that do not express Granzyme B, such as angioimmunoblastic lymphoma.
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
Because this is a diagnostic tissue marker rather than a routine wellness test, there are no lifestyle changes that directly affect the result. However, general guidance includes:
- Seek prompt medical attention if you notice unexplained lymph node enlargement, persistent fatigue, or B symptoms
- Follow up with your haematologist or oncologist as advised after receiving results
- Ensure complete clinical information is shared with your pathologist for the most accurate interpretation
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Granzyme B Test Price
The IHC marker - Granzyme B test is priced starting at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of a prepared FFPE tissue block; home collection is not available.
| 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
Here is how to book the IHC marker - Granzyme B test 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 FFPE tissue block for testing.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - Granzyme B test is used to identify whether tumour cells have cytotoxic (cell-killing) properties. It helps pathologists classify specific subtypes of T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas, which is essential for guiding appropriate treatment planning.
The sample for this test is a tissue biopsy collected by your treating doctor in a clinical setting. The tissue is preserved in formalin, embedded in a wax block, and then sent to the laboratory for the Granzyme B IHC test procedure.
No. The IHC marker - Granzyme B test requires a prepared FFPE tissue block, which can only be obtained through a biopsy procedure performed by a physician. Home collection is not available.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 3 days. Turnaround time may vary slightly depending on tissue processing requirements and whether the test is part of a larger diagnostic panel.
A positive result indicates that tumour cells express the Granzyme B protein, suggesting they have cytotoxic characteristics associated with activated T cells or NK cells. Your pathologist and oncologist will use this finding alongside other markers to classify the lymphoma subtype.
No. The Granzyme B immunostain is typically used as part of a panel that includes other T-cell markers, such as CD56, TIA-1, and perforin. Using multiple markers together gives a more accurate and complete picture of the tumour type.
A detailed clinical history is required when submitting the sample. This should include your current symptoms, duration of illness, any previous biopsy or pathology reports, relevant imaging findings, and any suspected diagnosis noted by your treating doctor.
IHC Marker - Granzyme B Test: Booking, Price, and Results
