IHC Marker - HHV8 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - HHV8 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | HHV-8 IHC Test, Human Herpesvirus 8 Immunostain Test, HHV8 LNA-1 IHC Test, KSHV IHC Test |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of any age; primarily those with suspected Kaposi sarcoma, certain lymphomas, or immunocompromised conditions |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker - HHV8 Test?
The IHC marker - HHV8 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) in tissue samples using immunohistochemistry.
It identifies a specific viral protein, known as Latent Nuclear Antigen-1 (LNA-1), within preserved tissue obtained through biopsy. Doctors order this test when they suspect conditions such as Kaposi sarcoma or related viral infections in tissue. It is also referred to as the HHV-8 IHC test, the Human Herpesvirus 8 Immunostain test, and the KSHV IHC test.
What Does an IHC Marker - HHV8 Test Measure?
This test targets a single, specific viral protein found in HHV-8-infected tissue. The table below explains what is detected and why it matters.
| Marker | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| HHV-8 LNA-1 (Latent Nuclear Antigen-1) | A viral protein produced by Human Herpesvirus 8, encoded by the viral gene ORF73 | Its presence in tissue confirms active HHV-8 infection; it can interfere with normal cell controls and is linked to tumour development |
The test uses specially designed antibodies that bind to the LNA-1 protein when present in the tissue. A positive result appears as a granular nuclear staining pattern in tumour cells, with no staining in the surrounding cytoplasm.
Why Is an IHC Marker - HHV8 Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects an HHV-8-related condition based on clinical signs, biopsy findings, or a patient's immune status.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following signs commonly prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Skin lesions that are red, brown, or purple in colour, appearing as flat patches, raised plaques, or nodules
- Swelling and pain in the legs or feet caused by blocked fluid flow from lesions in the groin area
- Bleeding, painful, or swollen lesions inside the mouth
- Unexplained swelling of lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
- Persistent or unusual skin lesions in individuals living with HIV
- Lesions identified on imaging scans (CT, MRI, or PET) that require tissue confirmation
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A doctor may use this test to investigate or confirm any of the following conditions:
- Kaposi sarcoma, including classic, endemic, transplant-associated, and HIV-associated forms
- Primary effusion lymphoma, a type of B-cell lymphoma linked to HHV-8
- Multicentric Castleman disease, a lymph node disorder associated with this virus
- Other HHV-8-related lymphoproliferative diseases in immunocompromised patients
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This is a tissue-based test, so the preparation is different from that of a standard blood test. Here is what you need to know before submitting your sample.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is performed on a tissue block obtained through a biopsy, not on a blood or urine sample. Dietary restrictions do not affect the results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Please keep the following points in mind before submitting your tissue sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history
- Carry your doctor's referral letter, which should clearly mention the biopsy site
- Bring any existing histopathology reports if you are submitting a previously prepared paraffin block
- Include relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking
- Follow any specific instructions your surgeon or pathologist has given about packaging and transporting the tissue block
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker - HHV8 test procedure involves tissue collection and laboratory processing. Here is what typically happens:
- Your doctor collects a tissue sample through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal at a clinical facility
- The tissue is placed in formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in paraffin wax to form a solid block (the FFPE tissue block)
- Very thin slices of this block are cut using a precision instrument called a microtome (a tissue-slicing device)
- The tissue sections are treated with specific anti-HHV-8 antibodies that bind to the LNA-1 protein if it is present in the sample
- A trained pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, assessing the staining pattern alongside your clinical history and relevant controls
- The final report is prepared and delivered within the stated turnaround time
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of your test result:
- Delayed or improper fixation of the tissue after collection (optimal fixation time is 12 to 24 hours, not exceeding 48 hours)
- Tissue pieces that are too thick (should be trimmed to less than 4 mm in one plane before processing)
- Poor quality of the original tissue sample
- Incomplete or missing clinical history submitted with the sample
- Laboratory equipment calibration and antibody quality
Understanding Your IHC Marker - HHV8 Test Results
Results from this test are reported as positive or negative, not as numerical values. A qualified pathologist interprets the staining pattern alongside your full clinical picture. The table below provides a general guide.
| Result | Staining Observed | General Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Nuclear granular staining in tumour cells | Indicates HHV-8 infection in the tissue; supports diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma or related conditions |
| Negative | No nuclear staining detected | HHV-8 not detected in the sample; Kaposi sarcoma is less likely, though clinical correlation is still required |
The information in this table is a general guide. 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 affect how results are interpreted:
- Individuals living with HIV have a significantly higher risk of HHV-8-related malignancies, though these conditions can also occur without HIV
- In rare non-AIDS cases, Kaposi sarcoma has been observed in elderly men of Mediterranean origin or in patients on immunosuppressive therapy, including organ transplant recipients
- If the clinical picture strongly suggests Kaposi sarcoma but the HHV-8 IHC result is negative, your doctor may recommend PCR testing for HHV-8 as a follow-up
Clinical Considerations and Follow-up
As this is a qualitative diagnostic test rather than a health-monitoring measure, these tips relate to general immune health:
- Support your immune system with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep
- If you are immunocompromised due to HIV, organ transplantation, or ongoing treatment, work closely with your doctor to manage your condition
- Report any new or changing skin lesions, unusual swellings, or other symptoms to your doctor promptly
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - HHV8 Test Price
The IHC marker - HHV8 test cost starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre to submit a prepared FFPE tissue block. The table below shows indicative prices:
| 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
Booking your IHC marker - HHV8 test online is simple:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website
- Choose your city and preferred centre location
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time, or arrange for your pre-prepared FFPE tissue block to be submitted to the nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days of sample receipt
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - HHV8 test is a laboratory test that detects the Human Herpesvirus 8 protein (LNA-1) in preserved tissue samples using immunohistochemistry. It is used to confirm or rule out HHV-8-related conditions such as Kaposi sarcoma. The result is reported as positive or negative based on the staining pattern seen under a microscope.
Your doctor may order this test if you have unexplained skin lesions, lymph node swelling, or other signs that suggest an HHV-8-related condition. It is especially useful in distinguishing Kaposi sarcoma from other skin and vascular conditions that look similar. It is also commonly ordered for immunocompromised patients, including those living with HIV.
No. The IHC marker - HHV8 test procedure requires a tissue sample, not blood. The tissue is collected by your doctor through a biopsy and processed into an FFPE block before being submitted to the laboratory.
This test is highly accurate. Studies report sensitivity of approximately 99% and specificity of 100% for diagnosing Kaposi sarcoma. However, a small number of cases may show a negative result despite infection; in such situations, your doctor may recommend additional testing such as PCR.
No, home collection is not available for this test. A tissue biopsy must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional in a clinical setting. The prepared tissue block is then submitted to the laboratory for processing.
Results for the IHC marker - HHV8 test are typically available within 3 days of the laboratory receiving the tissue block. Turnaround time may vary slightly depending on sample quality and laboratory workload.
A detailed clinical history is required for this test. This should include your symptoms, any previous biopsy or histopathology reports, relevant imaging results (such as CT or MRI scans), and a referral letter from your doctor mentioning the biopsy site. Providing complete information helps the pathologist interpret the results accurately.
IHC Marker - HHV8 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
