IHC Marker- HER2/neu Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker- HER2/neu Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | HER2 IHC, c-erbB-2 IHC, ERBB2 immunohistochemistry, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Test, HercepTest |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block (biopsy or surgical specimen) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, gastric cancer, or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker- HER2/neu Test?
The IHC Marker- HER2/neu test is a specialised laboratory test that checks how much HER2 protein is present on the surface of cancer cells. HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) is a protein that, when overproduced, can cause certain cancers to grow quickly. Doctors commonly order this test after a cancer diagnosis to guide treatment decisions. The test uses a preserved tissue sample, known as an FFPE tissue block, obtained through biopsy or surgery.
What Does an IHC Marker- HER2/neu Test Measure?
This test uses immunohistochemistry (IHC), a technique where a specialised antibody is applied to thin slices of tumour tissue. The antibody binds to the HER2 protein and causes a colour change, which a pathologist then examines under a microscope. The findings are reported as a score.
The following table shows what each score means:
| Score | Interpretation | What it Means |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | HER2 Negative | No meaningful HER2 protein detected on cancer cells |
| 1+ | HER2 Negative | Very weak, incomplete staining in fewer than 10% of tumour cells |
| 2+ | Equivocal (Borderline) | Borderline result; requires further testing with FISH to confirm |
| 3+ | HER2 Positive | Strong, complete staining in more than 30% of invasive tumour cells |
Why is an IHC Marker- HER2/neu Test Done?
This test is ordered to determine whether a tumour overexpresses the HER2 protein, which directly influences the course of treatment. Below are the key reasons a doctor may request it.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Once a tissue sample has been collected, the IHC Marker- HER2/neu test may be ordered when any of the following are present:
- A newly detected breast lump or thickening in breast tissue
- Noticeable change in the shape or size of the breast
- Skin changes, such as puckering or dimpling on the breast
- Nipple discharge or inversion
- Swelling or a lump in the armpit area
- Unexplained persistent breast discomfort
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC HER2/neu test helps identify or characterise the following conditions:
- HER2-positive breast cancer, a fast-growing form that can spread to other parts of the body
- Gastric (stomach) adenocarcinoma with HER2 overexpression
- Gastro-oesophageal junction cancer, where HER2 amplification plays a role
- HER2 overexpression in cancers of the ovary and oesophagus
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on tissue already collected through biopsy or surgery, there is little the patient needs to do in terms of preparation. The sections below explain what to keep in mind.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the IHC Marker- HER2/neu test procedure. The tissue sample is obtained during a separate clinical procedure, and fasting does not affect the IHC analysis.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few practical steps to help things go smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any family history of cancer, as this is required for the test
- Carry any earlier pathology reports, imaging scans, or surgical notes to your appointment
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking
- Consider bringing a family member or friend to your appointment for support
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC Marker- HER2/neu test involves the following steps from tissue collection to reporting:
- A tissue sample is obtained from the tumour through a needle biopsy guided by imaging, or through surgical removal such as a lumpectomy.
- The sample is placed in formalin fixative within one hour of collection and left to fix for 6 to 72 hours, then sliced at regular intervals.
- The fixed tissue is embedded in paraffin wax to create a block (FFPE block), from which very thin sections are cut onto glass slides.
- A pathologist applies a specialised antibody to the tissue sections. This antibody binds to the HER2 protein and triggers a visible colour change.
- The pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, assessing the intensity and distribution of the colour change.
- The findings are scored on a scale of 0 to 3+ and included in the final report, which is delivered within 7 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may affect the reliability of your IHC HER2/neu test result:
- Delay of more than one hour between tissue removal and placement in fixative
- Fixation time shorter than 6 hours or longer than 72 hours
- Use of fixatives other than 10% neutral-buffered formalin
- Tissue sections cut more than 6 weeks before testing
- Lack of standardisation in IHC processing across laboratories
Understanding Your IHC Marker- HER2/neu Test Results
Your pathologist's report will include a score and an interpretation. These results should always be reviewed alongside your full clinical picture by a qualified oncologist.
| Score | Status | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Negative | No HER2 overexpression; cancer is HER2-negative |
| 1+ | Negative | Very low HER2 expression; cancer is HER2-negative |
| 2+ | Equivocal | Borderline; repeat testing with FISH is recommended |
| 3+ | Positive | High HER2 expression; cancer is HER2-positive |
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 circumstances can influence the accuracy of IHC results. Your pathologist will take these into account when reviewing your sample.
- Tissue left for more than 6 hours before being placed in fixative may show reduced staining intensity, which can affect score accuracy.
- Improper fixation (too short or too long) can produce false negative or false positive results.
- Gastric tumours may also show more variable staining patterns compared to breast tumours, which a specialist pathologist will factor into the interpretation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While there are no lifestyle measures that alter HER2 protein expression, these general steps support overall well-being during and after cancer care:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your oncologist
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay physically active as advised by your healthcare team
- Report any new symptoms or changes in your condition to your doctor promptly
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker- HER2/neu Test Price
The IHC Marker- HER2/neu test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of an existing FFPE tissue block. 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- HER2/neu 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 to submit your FFPE tissue block or arrange sample collection through your treating hospital.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test checks whether cancer cells are producing too much HER2 protein. The result helps doctors understand how aggressive the cancer may be and whether HER2-targeted treatments are likely to work. It is most commonly ordered for breast, gastric, and gastro-oesophageal junction cancers.
The tissue sample is collected through a needle biopsy, guided by imaging, or during surgery such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy. The IHC Marker- HER2/neu test procedure is then carried out on this preserved tissue block in the laboratory.
A score of 3+ means cancer cells are producing a high level of HER2 protein. Although HER2-positive cancers tend to grow faster, they are also more likely to respond to HER2-targeted therapies. Your oncologist will discuss the treatment options most suitable for your case.
A score of 2+ is considered borderline. Your doctor will likely recommend a follow-up test called FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridisation) to confirm your HER2 status. A negative FISH result means HER2-negative; a positive FISH result means HER2-positive.
No. This test is performed on a tissue block obtained through biopsy or surgery, which must be collected and processed in a clinical setting. Home sample collection is not available for this test.
Results are typically available within 7 days at Lupin Diagnostics. In some cases, turnaround may extend depending on laboratory workload or if additional testing is needed following a borderline result.
Yes, it can. When cancer returns or spreads to other parts of the body, the tumour may show a different HER2 status compared to the original diagnosis. Retesting is often recommended in such cases so that treatment decisions are based on current tumour characteristics.
IHC Marker- HER2/neu Test: Booking, Price, and Results
