IHC Marker - HepPAR-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - HepPAR-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Hepatocyte Paraffin 1, HepPar1, Hepatocyte Specific Antigen (HSA), CPS1 IHC |
| Sample Type | Tissue biopsy (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded block) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; typically adults with suspected liver tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - HepPAR-1 Test?
The IHC marker - HepPAR-1 test is a specialised laboratory test used to identify liver-origin tumour cells in a tissue sample. IHC stands for immunohistochemistry, a technique that uses specific antibodies to detect proteins within tissue sections. This test is also known as Hepatocyte Paraffin 1, HepPar1, or CPS1 IHC. A doctor typically requests this test when imaging or other findings suggest a liver tumour and a precise diagnosis is needed.
What Does an IHC Marker - HepPAR-1 Test Measure?
The IHC marker - HepPAR-1 test detects a specific protein in tissue cells. Here is what it looks for and why it matters.
| Component | What it Detects | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| HepPar-1 staining | Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1), a protein found inside liver cell mitochondria | Confirms whether a tumour has originated from liver cells |
| Cytoplasmic granular pattern | Characteristic staining pattern inside the cell | Helps distinguish primary liver cancer from cancers that have spread from other organs |
CPS1 is an enzyme that plays a key role in the urea cycle, the process by which the body clears ammonia waste. Because this protein is largely specific to liver cells, its presence in a tumour sample is a strong indicator of hepatocellular (liver cell) origin.
Why is an IHC Marker - HepPAR-1 Test Done?
A pathologist or treating doctor may request this test when there is uncertainty about the origin of a tumour found in or near the liver. Below are the main reasons it is ordered.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to investigate with imaging and, subsequently, an IHC marker - HepPAR-1 test on a biopsy sample:
- Unexplained liver mass identified on imaging (ultrasound or CT scan)
- Persistent abdominal pain or noticeable swelling
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes)
- Unexplained and significant weight loss
- Abnormal results on liver function blood tests
- Suspected liver tumour flagged during a routine health check
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps pathologists identify or rule out a range of conditions. It is used to detect or differentiate:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer
- Hepatoblastoma, a rare liver cancer that occurs mainly in children
- Hepatic adenoma, a non-cancerous liver tumour
- Hepatoid carcinomas, which are tumours arising in other organs but displaying liver cell-like features
- Metastatic carcinoma of the liver (cancer that has spread from another organ to the liver)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on a tissue sample rather than blood, preparation is different from a routine blood test. Here is what you need to know before the procedure.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the IHC marker - HepPAR-1 test procedure. The test uses a tissue sample collected via biopsy or surgical resection, not a blood or urine sample.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before providing your sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Bring your original histopathology report and any relevant imaging reports (ultrasound, CT, or MRI).
- Inform your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications before undergoing a biopsy.
- The tissue must be fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for 6 to 72 hours; your treating doctor or surgical team will handle this.
- Confirm with your doctor that a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block or appropriate slides will be available for testing.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker - HepPAR-1 test procedure involves several stages, from tissue collection to result reporting.
- A liver biopsy or surgical tissue sample is collected by a qualified medical professional at a clinical facility.
- The tissue is fixed in formalin and then embedded in a paraffin block to preserve it for analysis.
- Thin sections are cut from the block, mounted on glass slides, and pre-treated to expose the target protein.
- The HepPar-1 antibody is applied to the tissue section, where it binds to the CPS1 protein if present.
- A coloured dye is added to make the bound antibody visible under a microscope.
- A trained pathologist examines the staining pattern and documents the result, which is then included in your report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results from the IHC marker - HepPAR-1 test:
- Poor-quality or inadequately fixed tissue samples
- Insufficient formalin fixation time (too short or too long)
- Tumour grade (poorly differentiated tumours tend to show weaker or absent staining)
- Testing the marker in isolation rather than as part of a panel of IHC markers
Understanding Your IHC Marker - HepPAR-1 Test Results
Results from this test are qualitative, meaning they are reported as positive or negative rather than as a number. A pathologist evaluates the staining pattern and issues a report in the context of the clinical picture.
| Result | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive (cytoplasmic granular staining) | Suggests the tumour is of hepatocellular (liver cell) origin, consistent with HCC, hepatoblastoma, or hepatic adenoma |
| Negative | Suggests the tumour is unlikely to be of hepatocellular origin; may indicate cholangiocarcinoma, metastatic carcinoma, or other non-liver tumour |
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.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can make interpretation more complex.
- Poorly differentiated HCCs are more likely to produce a negative or weak HepPar-1 result than well or moderately differentiated tumours. This does not necessarily rule out liver cancer, and a pathologist will consider additional markers.
- Gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinomas can occasionally show positive HepPar-1 staining, so results must always be reviewed alongside clinical findings and other investigations.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test is a diagnostic marker rather than a wellness screen, so "healthy levels" do not apply in the conventional sense. The following general tips support liver health:
- Attend regular health check-ups and monitor liver function if you are at risk of liver disease.
- Discuss hepatitis B vaccination with your doctor, as chronic hepatitis B is a known risk factor for liver cancer.
- Limit alcohol intake, as long-term excessive consumption is associated with liver damage.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - HepPAR-1 Test Price
The IHC marker - HepPAR-1 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of a tissue block through your treating doctor; home collection is not available for this test.
| 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 for the IHC marker - HepPAR-1 test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample or block submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - HepPAR-1 test is used to determine whether a tumour has originated from liver cells. It is most commonly ordered to help diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer) and to distinguish it from cancers that have spread to the liver from other organs.
HepPar-1 detects a protein called carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1), found inside the mitochondria of liver cells. Because this protein is largely specific to liver cells, its presence in a tumour sample strongly suggests a liver cell origin.
No fasting is needed. The IHC marker - HepPAR-1 test is performed on a tissue sample obtained through biopsy or surgery, not a blood sample, so dietary restrictions do not apply.
For hepatocellular carcinoma, HepPar-1 has a reported sensitivity of around 93% and specificity of around 89% in cytological material. However, accuracy is lower for poorly differentiated tumours, which is why pathologists often use a panel of markers alongside HepPar-1.
Yes, in some cases. Certain gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinomas can show positive HepPar-1 staining. This is why your pathologist and treating doctor will always interpret results alongside imaging findings and other laboratory tests rather than relying on this marker alone.
Pathologists often use a panel that includes arginase-1 and glypican-3 (two additional hepatocellular markers) along with markers such as CK19 and MOC-31 to improve diagnostic accuracy. The combination helps differentiate primary liver tumours from other cancer types more reliably.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically delivered within 7 days of sample receipt. Turnaround time may vary slightly depending on the volume of cases and sample quality.
IHC Marker - HepPAR-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
