IHC Marker - IgG Test
About IHC Marker - IgG Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IgG Immunostain Test, IgG Immunohistochemistry Test, IgG IHC Marker Test, Immunoglobulin G Immunostain Test |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages, as clinically indicated |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - IgG Test?
The IHC Marker - IgG test uses a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) protein within tissue samples. A doctor may order this test when a routine biopsy report is unclear or when a specific diagnosis needs to be confirmed.
The sample used is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block, obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure. This test is also referred to as an IgG Immunostain test or an IgG IHC Marker test.
What Does an IHC Marker - IgG Test Measure?
This test identifies the location, presence, and staining intensity of IgG protein within tissue cells. The findings help the pathologist understand which cell types are present and whether their distribution is consistent with a specific diagnosis. The key marker assessed in this test is described below.
| Marker | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| IgG (Immunoglobulin G) | The most abundant antibody in human blood, produced by plasma cells. Its presence in tissue indicates the activity of B lymphocytes (a type of immune cell) or plasma cells (antibody-producing cells). |
| IgG4/IgG Ratio | The proportion of IgG4-positive plasma cells within the total IgG-positive cell population. |
Why is an IHC Marker - IgG Test Done?
A doctor may recommend the IHC Marker - IgG test to investigate unexplained tissue changes or to confirm findings from an earlier biopsy. The reasons for ordering this test vary widely depending on a patient's symptoms and clinical history.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Unexplained swelling or masses in soft tissue or organs
- Swollen lymph nodes without a clear cause
- Organ enlargement (such as of the pancreas, salivary glands, or kidneys)
- Organ dysfunction with no established diagnosis
- Suspected tumour or abnormal cell growth identified on imaging
- Signs of an autoimmune condition affecting one or more organs
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC Marker - IgG test procedure can assist in identifying several conditions:
- Small B-cell malignant lymphomas and their classification
- Multiple myeloma (a cancer of plasma cells)
- IgG4-related disease, a fibro-inflammatory condition that can affect organs such as the pancreas, kidneys, salivary glands, and the tissue behind the abdominal cavity
- Autoimmune liver disease
- Plasma cell neoplasms (tumours arising from plasma cells)
- Chronic inflammatory conditions involving immune cell infiltration
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC Marker - IgG test is performed on tissue that has already been collected. There are no special physical preparations required from the patient before testing.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. This test is carried out on a tissue sample rather than a blood sample, so your eating or drinking habits have no bearing on the results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Before submitting your sample or attending your appointment, keep the following in mind:
- Bring your doctor's referral letter, which should include the biopsy site and a brief clinical history. Clinical history is required for this test.
- Carry any existing histopathology (tissue examination) reports if you are submitting a previously prepared paraffin block.
- Bring relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays.
- Inform your doctor of any medications, underlying health conditions, or allergies before the biopsy procedure.
- Follow any specific preparation instructions given by your surgeon or pathologist.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens from tissue collection to the final report:
- Your doctor collects a tissue sample through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal. No separate sample collection is needed specifically for the IHC test.
- The tissue is placed in a formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in a paraffin wax block to create the FFPE tissue block.
- Very thin slices of the tissue block are cut using a precision instrument called a microtome.
- The tissue sections are placed on glass slides and treated with antibodies that bind specifically to IgG protein within the cells.
- A specialised stain makes the antibody-protein interaction visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides and documents the findings in a structured report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the quality of staining and the reliability of results:
- Prolonged exposure to formalin fixative, which can reduce the detectability of specific proteins
- Poorly preserved or necrotic (dead) tissue, which may produce inconsistent staining
- Inadequate antigen retrieval during laboratory processing
- The quality and specificity of the primary antibody used in the test
Understanding Your IHC Marker - IgG Test Results
Results from the IHC Marker - IgG test are not reported as numerical values. Instead, the pathologist describes the staining pattern, its intensity, and the distribution of IgG-positive cells within the tissue. The table below outlines the general findings and what they may indicate.
| Finding | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive IgG staining | IgG-expressing cells (B lymphocytes or plasma cells) are present in the tissue |
| Negative IgG staining | No IgG-expressing cells detected in the sample |
| IgG4/IgG ratio greater than 40% | Supports a possible diagnosis of IgG4-related disease when combined with other criteria |
| Absent or reduced staining | May point to immunodeficiency or a technical issue during processing |
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.
Results During Special Conditions
Some conditions can make interpretation of IgG staining more complex.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (a type of blood vessel inflammation) can sometimes appear similar to IgG4-related disease on tissue examination. Certain biopsies in confirmed cases of this condition have shown elevated IgG4-positive cell counts, which can lead to diagnostic confusion if the full clinical picture is not considered.
Increased IgG4-positive plasma cells may also be seen in conditions other than IgG4-related disease, meaning a positive finding alone is not sufficient for a confirmed diagnosis. The pathologist's interpretation must always be reviewed alongside imaging and clinical findings.
Important Next Steps for Your Care
Although lifestyle changes cannot directly enhance IHC results, the following general habits support immune health:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to support immune function
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight
- Attend routine health check-ups if you have a history of autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - IgG Test Price
The IHC Marker - IgG 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
Use the steps below to book your IHC Marker - IgG 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 biopsy sample
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Marker - IgG test is a specialised tissue-based test that detects immunoglobulin G protein within cells using a method called immunohistochemistry. It identifies B lymphocytes and plasma cells in tissue and helps doctors diagnose conditions such as lymphomas, IgG4-related disease, and plasma cell disorders. The test is performed on a tissue block obtained through a biopsy.
A doctor typically orders this test when a routine biopsy result is inconclusive or when a specific condition needs to be confirmed. It is commonly used to classify blood cell cancers, investigate unusual tissue inflammation, and diagnose IgG4-related disease affecting organs such as the pancreas or kidneys.
No fasting is needed. The IHC Marker - IgG test is performed on a tissue sample collected by your doctor, so your diet before the test has no effect on the results.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 3 days. Processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the sample requires additional technical steps.
A positive result means that IgG-expressing cells are present in the tissue examined. This finding must be interpreted by your doctor alongside your symptoms, clinical history, and imaging reports. A positive result on its own does not confirm any specific diagnosis.
No. The IHC Marker - IgG test requires a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure. This must be performed at a medical facility. Once the FFPE tissue block is ready, it can be submitted at a Lupin Diagnostics centre for processing.
Bring your doctor's referral letter along with your complete clinical history. If you already have a paraffin-embedded tissue block from a previous procedure, carry any existing histopathology reports. Relevant imaging such as CT scan, MRI, or PET scan reports are also helpful for the pathologist's interpretation.
IHC Marker - IgG Test
