IHC Marker - HBME-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - HBME-1 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | HBME-1 IHC, Hector Battifora Mesothelial-1 Marker, Mesothelial Cell Marker HBME-1 |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block (biopsy specimen) |
| Fasting Required | No — this is a tissue-based test, not a blood test |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; ordered when thyroid nodule or tumour evaluation is required |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - HBME-1 Test?
The IHC Marker - HBME-1 test is a specialised laboratory test that uses immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect the HBME-1 protein in tissue samples. HBME-1 stands for Hector Battifora Mesothelial-1, a monoclonal antibody that identifies a specific antigen found on the surface of certain cells. Doctors order this test when a thyroid biopsy or tumour evaluation requires further analysis to distinguish between benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tissue. The sample is a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a biopsy procedure.
What Does an IHC Marker - HBME-1 Test Measure?
This test detects whether the HBME-1 protein is present in the tissue sample and, if so, how strongly and in how many cells. The following explains what the test analyses.
| Component | What it Assesses |
|---|---|
| HBME-1 Protein Expression | Whether the HBME-1 antigen is present on the cell surface in the biopsy tissue |
| Staining Pattern | Whether staining is thick and continuous (suggesting mesothelioma) or thin and discontinuous (seen in adenocarcinoma) |
| Percentage of Positive Cells | The proportion of cells showing staining (more than 10% positive cells is considered a positive result) |
| Staining Intensity | Graded as weak, moderate, or strong to assist pathologists in diagnosis |
The HBME-1 antibody is particularly useful for telling apart thyroid carcinoma (papillary and follicular types) from benign thyroid follicular adenomas, which typically show no staining.
Why is an IHC Marker - HBME-1 Test Done?
An IHC Marker - HBME-1 test is ordered after a biopsy when a doctor needs more information about whether a thyroid nodule or other suspicious tissue is malignant. It is a diagnostic tool that forms part of a broader pathological assessment.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- A visible or palpable lump at the front of the neck
- Difficulty swallowing or a sensation that something is stuck in the throat
- Difficulty breathing, particularly when lying down
- Hoarseness or unexplained changes in voice
- Pain in the front of the neck
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland (also called goitre)
- A sense of needing to swallow repeatedly without cause
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma, the most common form of thyroid cancer
- Follicular thyroid carcinoma, often evaluated alongside Galectin-3 and CK-19 markers
- Hürthle cell carcinoma, a less common type of differentiated thyroid cancer
- Malignant mesothelioma, distinguished from adenocarcinoma based on staining pattern
- Benign thyroid conditions, such as follicular adenoma and nodular goitre (typically show negative staining)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the IHC Marker - HBME-1 test procedure involves a biopsy collected by a physician, preparation focuses on the biopsy appointment rather than on fasting or dietary changes.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. It is performed on a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy, so food and drink have no bearing on the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you take, especially blood thinners, as these may need to be paused before the biopsy
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the neck area
- Stay well hydrated before your biopsy appointment
- Arrange for someone to accompany you, as you may feel mild discomfort after the procedure
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained physician performs a thyroid biopsy, typically using fine-needle aspiration (a thin needle to collect cells) or a core needle biopsy (a slightly larger needle to collect a small tissue core).
- Once the tissue is removed, it is immediately placed in a formalin solution to preserve it. The fixed tissue is then embedded in paraffin wax to create an FFPE tissue block.
- The FFPE block is sent to the laboratory, where thin sections are cut and mounted on glass slides.
- The laboratory applies an antigen retrieval step to unmask proteins that may have been altered during fixation, allowing the HBME-1 antibody to bind correctly.
- The antibody is applied to the tissue slide and linked to a detectable enzyme, causing stained cells to change colour under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides, assesses the pattern, intensity, and percentage of positive cells, and issues a written report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several technical and clinical factors can influence the quality and reliability of the result.
- Quality and duration of tissue fixation in formalin before processing
- Effectiveness of the antigen retrieval technique used
- Quality and concentration of the HBME-1 antibody reagent
- Pathologist's expertise in interpreting staining patterns
- Use of appropriate positive and negative controls during the staining process
- Amount and quality of tissue obtained at the time of biopsy
Understanding Your IHC Marker - HBME-1 Test Results
A pathologist interprets the staining result in the context of the full tissue appearance and your clinical history. Results are reported as positive or negative, with details about staining intensity and the percentage of cells affected.
| Result | Finding | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | No staining or staining in fewer than 10% of cells | Supports a benign diagnosis; benign thyroid tissue typically lacks HBME-1 expression |
| Positive | Membranous staining in more than 10% of cells | Suggests possible malignancy, including papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma |
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
These tips support general thyroid health and early detection of any concerns.
- Schedule regular thyroid check-ups with your doctor if you have a personal or family history of thyroid disease.
- Seek prompt medical evaluation if you notice any new neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes.
- Maintain adequate iodine intake through everyday dietary sources such as iodised salt and seafood.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - HBME-1 Test Price
The IHC Marker - HBME-1 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Home collection is not available because the test uses tissue obtained through a biopsy procedure performed by a physician.
| 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 your IHC Marker - HBME-1 test online.
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Marker - HBME-1 test is used to help identify well-differentiated thyroid cancers, particularly papillary thyroid carcinoma, and to distinguish them from benign thyroid lesions. It is also used to differentiate malignant mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma based on specific staining patterns. The test is always interpreted alongside other clinical and pathological findings.
The sample is tissue collected through a biopsy, most commonly fine-needle aspiration or a core needle biopsy of the thyroid gland. This procedure is performed by a trained physician, not through routine blood or urine collection. The tissue is then preserved and sent to the laboratory for IHC staining.
No fasting or dietary changes are required. However, you must bring a detailed clinical history to your appointment, as this is essential for the test. Your doctor may also advise you to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the biopsy. Follow all instructions given by your treating physician.
Results for this test are typically available within 7 days of the laboratory receiving the FFPE tissue block. IHC processing involves multiple steps, including tissue sectioning, antibody staining, and pathologist review, which account for the turnaround time.
No single IHC marker is sufficient on its own to confirm or rule out thyroid cancer. HBME-1 is usually evaluated as part of a panel of markers, commonly including Galectin-3 and CK-19, to improve diagnostic accuracy. The final diagnosis is made by a pathologist considering all available findings.
No. This test requires tissue obtained through a biopsy procedure performed by a physician at a medical facility. The FFPE tissue block must then be processed in a laboratory. Home collection is not applicable for this type of test.
A positive result means the HBME-1 protein was detected in more than 10% of the cells in your tissue sample, which suggests a possibility of thyroid malignancy or mesothelioma. This finding does not confirm cancer on its own. Your pathologist and treating doctor will review the result alongside your full clinical picture before reaching any conclusion.
IHC Marker - HBME-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
