IHC Marker - HMW-CK Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - HMW-CK Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | HMW-CK, High Molecular Weight Cytokeratin, CK903, 34βE12, HMWCK, Keratin 34βE12 |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 Days |
| Recommended For | Men and women of all ages, when a cancer diagnosis or tissue differentiation is required |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - HMW-CK Test?
The IHC Marker - HMW-CK test is a specialised tissue-based laboratory test that detects high molecular weight cytokeratin proteins in cells. It is performed using the immunohistochemistry method on a tissue sample from a prior biopsy or surgery. Doctors order this test to help distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous tissue, particularly in the prostate, bladder, and breast. It is also known as HMW-CK, CK903, or 34βE12.
What Does an IHC Marker - HMW-CK Test Measure?
This test identifies specific proteins called high molecular weight cytokeratins in tissue samples. These proteins are found in the basal cell layer — the bottom layer of cells lining certain organs and glands.
The key components detected include the following:
| Component | What it Represents |
|---|---|
| Cytokeratins 1, 5, 10, and 14 | High molecular weight protein groups found in complex epithelial (lining) tissues |
| Basal cell layer presence | Intact basal cells indicate benign (non-cancerous) glandular tissue |
| Basal cell layer absence | Loss of basal cells raises concern for malignancy (cancer) |
The staining result is qualitative — reported as positive or negative — rather than as a numerical value.
Why is an IHC Marker - HMW-CK Test Done?
A pathologist or treating doctor may recommend the IHC HMW-CK test when tissue examination alone is not enough to confirm a diagnosis.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several clinical situations can lead a doctor to request this test. These include:
- A suspicious finding on a prostate needle biopsy
- Elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels with inconclusive biopsy results
- Abnormality in the bladder detected on imaging
- A breast lesion requiring further tissue characterisation
- A tumour of unknown origin under evaluation
- Suspected squamous cell carcinoma in the head or neck region
- Tissue findings that are unclear on routine histopathology alone
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The HMW-CK test assists in identifying or ruling out several conditions. These include:
- Prostate adenocarcinoma (distinguishing cancer from benign prostatic lesions)
- High-grade invasive urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer)
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate, where basal cells remain present)
- Malignant versus benign intraductal breast lesions
- Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma in head and neck tumours
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for this test since it uses tissue collected during a prior procedure, not a fresh blood or urine sample.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is performed on a tissue block, so dietary restrictions do not apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Before submitting your sample, keep the following points in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry the FFPE tissue block from your previous biopsy or surgical procedure
- Bring the original histopathology report along with any relevant imaging or radiology records
- Carry a valid prescription from your treating doctor
- Confirm with the centre that the tissue block is properly labelled and sealed before submission
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC Marker - HMW-CK test procedure involves the following steps:
- A tissue biopsy is collected during a medical procedure (such as a prostate needle biopsy, bladder biopsy, or breast biopsy). This step happens separately, before the IHC test itself.
- The collected tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in a paraffin block (FFPE block) for preservation.
- Thin sections are cut from the paraffin block and placed on glass slides in the laboratory.
- A specialised antibody is applied to the tissue section. It binds to cytokeratin proteins where they are present in the cells.
- The slide is rinsed, and only the bound antibodies remain. The areas where antibodies have attached appear in a distinct colour under the microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the staining pattern and prepares a report indicating whether basal cells are present or absent.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the reliability of the staining result. These include:
- Delayed fixation of tissue after biopsy (prolonged time between tissue removal and formalin fixation)
- Poor-quality tissue fixation or incomplete processing of the FFPE block
- Inadequate antigen retrieval during laboratory processing
- Tissue degradation due to improper storage or handling
- Laboratory technique and the quality of reagents used
Understanding Your IHC Marker - HMW-CK Test Results
Results from the IHC HMW-CK test are interpreted by a pathologist alongside clinical findings, imaging, and other markers. The table below outlines the general staining patterns and their significance.
| Tissue / Context | Expected Staining | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Benign prostate glands | Positive | Basal cell layer is intact; supports a non-cancerous finding |
| Prostate adenocarcinoma | Negative | Basal cells are absent; supports a diagnosis of cancer |
| Urothelial carcinoma (bladder) | Positive | Consistent with high-grade invasive bladder cancer |
| Squamous epithelium and its carcinomas | Positive | Expected staining in squamous tissues and squamous cell carcinomas |
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
Two specific situations can make results more difficult to interpret:
- In rare cases, prostate cancer cells may show positive staining for HMW-CK, which can cause diagnostic confusion. In such cases, the marker p63 is often used alongside HMW-CK for greater specificity.
- If there is a long delay between tissue removal and fixation, cellular degradation may occur. This can reduce the quality of staining and affect the reliability of the result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since this is a diagnostic tissue marker rather than a routine blood test, there are no lifestyle measures that directly affect its results. General health steps include:
- Attending regular health check-ups and reporting urinary or prostate symptoms to a doctor without delay
- Following age-appropriate cancer screening recommendations as advised by your doctor
- Seeking a timely medical review if a biopsy or tissue finding has been flagged as inconclusive
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - HMW-CK Test Price
The IHC Marker - HMW-CK test is priced starting at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a centre visit for sample submission; home collection is not available for this test.
| 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
Follow these steps to book the IHC Marker - HMW-CK test online 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 along with your clinical history and doctor's prescription.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test helps a pathologist tell apart benign (non-cancerous) tissue from malignant (cancerous) tissue by checking for the presence of high molecular weight cytokeratin proteins. It is used most often for prostate, bladder, and breast biopsies.
A PSA test is a blood test used to screen for prostate disease, while the IHC HMW-CK test is performed on tissue collected during a biopsy. PSA indicates risk; HMW-CK helps confirm whether suspicious tissue is actually cancerous by examining the basal cell layer.
No fasting or dietary preparation is required. You do need to bring your FFPE tissue block, original histopathology report, clinical history, and a valid doctor's prescription when submitting the sample.
No. The IHC Marker - HMW-CK test is performed on tissue samples collected during biopsy or surgery, which can only be done in a clinical setting by a qualified professional. Home collection is not available for this test.
The report is typically available within 7 days. The immunohistochemistry process involves multiple laboratory steps, including tissue processing, antibody application, and pathologist review, which account for this turnaround time.
A negative result means HMW-CK staining was absent, indicating that basal cells are missing in the sampled tissue. In the context of prostate biopsy, this finding supports a diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma. Results must always be reviewed alongside other markers and clinical information.
HMW-CK is commonly used as part of a combination panel that includes p63 and AMACR. Using multiple markers together improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces the chance of a misleading result from any single marker.
IHC Marker - HMW-CK Test: Booking, Price, and Results
