IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) Test
About IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | hPL IHC Test, Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (hCS) IHC Test, HPL Immunostain Test, Placental Lactogen IHC Test |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders; typically women of reproductive age with suspected trophoblastic tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) Test?
The IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) test is a specialised laboratory test that detects a specific protein called human placental lactogen within tissue samples. It uses immunohistochemistry (IHC), a technique that applies antibodies to tissue sections to reveal whether a target protein is present and where it is located.
Doctors order this test when they need to identify or differentiate certain placental and trophoblastic tumours. The sample used is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure. This test is also known as the hPL IHC test and the HPL Immunostain test.
What Does an IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) Test Measure?
The IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) test procedure analyses tissue for the presence and distribution of the hPL protein using immunohistochemistry. Unlike blood tests, this test produces qualitative and semi-quantitative findings rather than numerical values. The following aspects are assessed and reported:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| hPL staining | Whether the protein is present in the tissue cells (positive or negative) |
| Staining intensity | How strongly the protein stains, graded from negative to strong |
| Percentage of cells stained | Reported as focal (limited to isolated cells), patchy (scattered throughout sections), or diffuse (widespread across the tissue) |
A positive result is typically identified by moderate to dark-brown cytoplasmic staining within a significant portion of the cells examined.
Why is an IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) Test Done?
This test is requested when a doctor needs to confirm or rule out specific tumour types involving placental or trophoblastic tissue. The findings guide diagnosis and help distinguish between conditions that can appear similar under routine microscopy.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with any of the following signs:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Persistently raised beta-hCG (a pregnancy-related hormone) levels
- Enlarged uterus not explained by a normal pregnancy
- Unexplained absence of periods (amenorrhea)
- Suspicious findings on an ultrasound scan
- An abdominal mass identified during examination
- A suspected molar pregnancy
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) test can assist in diagnosing or differentiating the following conditions:
- Placental site trophoblastic tumour (PSTT), a rare uterine tumour where hPL is strongly expressed
- Exaggerated placental site (EPS), a non-cancerous lesion with high hPL expression
- Gestational choriocarcinoma, which shows variable but positive hPL staining
- Hydatidiform moles (partial and complete), where hPL can be detected in syncytiotrophoblastic cells
- Epithelioid trophoblastic tumour (ETT) and placental site nodule (PSN), which typically show minimal hPL expression, helping to distinguish them from PSTT
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) test is performed on tissue already collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure. There is no separate blood draw or sample collection required for the IHC analysis itself.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is carried out on a tissue sample, not a blood sample, so dietary restrictions do not apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being prepared helps the laboratory process your sample smoothly. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring your doctor's referral letter, including the biopsy site details and a summary of your symptoms
- Carry all existing histopathology reports if you are submitting a previously prepared paraffin block
- Include relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasound findings
- Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, as some may affect tissue characteristics
- A detailed clinical history is required for this test; ensure this is submitted along with the sample
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens from tissue collection to final analysis:
- Your doctor obtains a tissue sample through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal. No separate procedure is needed for the IHC test itself.
- The tissue is placed in formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in a paraffin wax block to create the FFPE tissue block.
- Very thin slices (approximately 4 to 5 microns) are cut from the block and mounted on specially coated glass slides.
- The slides are processed in the laboratory: deparaffinised, rehydrated, and then treated with a placental lactogen antibody that binds to the hPL protein if it is present.
- A visible stain develops where the antibody has attached, producing brown colouring in positive areas.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and reports the presence, intensity, and distribution of hPL staining.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliably the test detects hPL. These include:
- Prolonged formalin fixation, which can cross-link proteins and reduce marker detection
- Poor tissue preservation or significant necrosis (cell death) within the sample
- Quality of the antibody reagents used in the laboratory
- Whether appropriate positive and negative control slides are included in the run
- The experience of the pathologist interpreting the stained slides
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) Test Results
Results from this test are interpreted by a pathologist alongside the patient's clinical history, imaging findings, and other IHC markers. The table below outlines how different staining findings are generally interpreted.
| Finding | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Strong, diffuse positive staining | Consistent with placental site trophoblastic tumour (PSTT) or exaggerated placental site |
| Variable positive staining | May be seen in choriocarcinoma or hydatidiform mole |
| Negative or only focal staining | More consistent with an epithelioid trophoblastic tumour (ETT) or placental site nodule (PSN) |
Disclaimer: 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.
Post-Test Guidance and Next Steps
This test is used to diagnose specific pathological conditions, so there are no general preventive measures linked to the test itself. The following are general wellness suggestions:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your gynecologist or oncologist after a trophoblastic diagnosis
- Report any new symptoms, such as unusual bleeding or pain, to your doctor promptly
- Maintain open communication with your treating doctor about any changes in your condition or new imaging results
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) Test Price
The IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre for submission of the FFPE tissue block.
| 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 the IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) 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 histopathology sample
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) test is used to detect the hPL protein in tissue samples. It helps doctors diagnose and differentiate between types of gestational trophoblastic disease, including placental site trophoblastic tumour, choriocarcinoma, and hydatidiform mole. The results are used alongside clinical findings and other tests to arrive at a confirmed diagnosis.
The sample is a tissue specimen obtained by your doctor through a biopsy or surgical procedure. This tissue is then fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin to create the FFPE tissue block that is submitted to the laboratory. No separate collection is required specifically for the IHC analysis.
No fasting is needed. Because the IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) test is performed on a tissue block rather than a blood sample, your diet before the test has no effect on the results.
Results are typically delivered within 3 days of the laboratory receiving the tissue sample. The exact time may vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional markers are being tested alongside hPL.
Clinical history is a summary of your symptoms, previous diagnoses, current medications, relevant test results, and imaging findings. For this test, it is required because the pathologist needs this context to interpret the staining pattern accurately and provide a clinically meaningful report.
Doctors often request a panel of IHC markers rather than a single test. Markers commonly used alongside hPL include p63, CD146, beta-hCG, cytokeratin, inhibin, and placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP). The combination used depends on the suspected diagnosis and the pathologist's assessment.
No, home collection is not available for this test. The sample must be a tissue block obtained through a clinical procedure such as a biopsy or surgery. The block is then submitted directly at a Lupin Diagnostics centre for processing and analysis.
IHC Marker - Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) Test
