IHC Marker - Inhibin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - Inhibin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Inhibin Alpha IHC Test, Alpha-Inhibin Immunostain Test, Inhibin-A IHC Marker Test |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block from biopsy or surgical specimen |
| Fasting Required | Not required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily for individuals with suspected ovarian, testicular, or adrenal tumours requiring tissue-based diagnosis |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - Inhibin Test?
The IHC marker - inhibin test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the inhibin protein in tissue samples using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC involves applying specific antibodies to thin slices of tissue to reveal the presence of certain proteins within cells. Doctors use this test to help classify tumours, particularly those arising from the ovaries, testes, or adrenal glands. It is also known as the inhibin alpha IHC test, alpha-inhibin immunostain test, or inhibin-A IHC marker test.
What Does an IHC Marker - Inhibin Test Measure?
This test detects two key elements in a tissue sample. Here is what each one tells the doctor:
| Component | What It Reveals |
|---|---|
| Inhibin alpha (INHA) protein | A marker that helps identify tumours arising from sex cord-stromal cells in the ovaries or testes, and from the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland |
| IHC staining pattern | The intensity and distribution of staining guides the pathologist in distinguishing one tumour type from another |
Why is an IHC Marker - Inhibin Test Done?
Doctors request the IHC marker - inhibin test when a tissue biopsy shows features that require further classification. The result helps narrow down the tumour type so that the appropriate treatment plan can be considered.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test after imaging or initial biopsy findings suggest a tumour. The following symptoms often prompt further investigation:
- Abdominal or pelvic mass detected on imaging
- Unexplained abdominal swelling or bloating
- Hormonal changes such as irregular menstruation or virilisation (development of male characteristics in females)
- Feminisation (development of female characteristics in males)
- Unexplained weight loss combined with fatigue
- Suspected adrenal or gonadal tumour on a scan
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker - inhibin test is a useful tool in the diagnosis of several tumour types. The test can assist in identifying:
- Ovarian granulosa cell tumours (adult and juvenile types)
- Sertoli-stromal and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours of the testis
- Ovarian steroid cell tumours
- Adrenal cortical adenoma or carcinoma
- Thecoma and fibrothecoma of the ovary
- Other sex cord-stromal tumours requiring differentiation from carcinomas or germ cell tumours
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the IHC marker – inhibin test is performed on tissue that has already been collected, preparation is straightforward.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the test, as it analyses a tissue block sample. Always follow specific instructions provided by your doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
There are a few practical steps to follow before submitting your sample:
- Attach the complete original pathology report from your initial tissue examination
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant radiological or imaging reports, as this is required for the test
- Keep the tissue block protected from excessive heat during transport
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker - inhibin test procedure involves the following steps:
- A tissue sample is obtained through biopsy or surgical excision at a hospital or clinic (this happens before the IHC test itself).
- The tissue is preserved using formalin to prevent degradation and then embedded in paraffin wax to create firm blocks that can be sliced into very thin sections.
- These thin tissue sections are placed on glass slides and treated with specific antibodies that bind to the inhibin protein if it is present in the cells.
- A detectable marker (such as an enzyme or a dye) attached to the antibody makes the protein visible under a microscope.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides, assessing the intensity and distribution of the staining.
- A detailed pathology report is prepared with the findings and their interpretation.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of staining results:
- Improper formalin fixation or over-fixation of the tissue, which can mask protein recognition sites
- Delays between tissue collection and fixation, which may alter protein structure
- Prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which can modify protein expression in tumour cells
- Tissue type and age of the sample, as older or poorly preserved specimens may produce variable staining
- Presence of inhibin-positive stromal cells (non-tumour cells) within the tissue, which requires careful interpretation by the pathologist
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Inhibin Test Results
Results from the IHC marker - inhibin test are interpreted by a qualified pathologist alongside clinical history, imaging findings, and other histopathological features. The table below outlines the general interpretation of findings:
| Staining Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive (cytoplasmic or membranous staining) | Suggests a sex cord-stromal tumour (such as granulosa cell tumour) or adrenal cortical neoplasm |
| Negative | Argues against sex cord-stromal or adrenal cortical tumour origin; other tumour types should be considered |
Scoring takes into account both the intensity of staining (weak, moderate, or strong) and the percentage of cells showing positivity.
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 conditions may make interpretation more complex:
- Some ovarian tumours that are not of sex cord-stromal origin may contain inhibin-positive stromal cells (supporting cells within the tissue), not tumour cells. A pathologist must distinguish these carefully before reaching a conclusion.
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy given before the biopsy can alter how tumour cells express inhibin, which may affect the staining pattern.
- If the tissue was left in formalin for too long, the protein binding sites can become blocked, potentially producing a weaker or false-negative staining result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this test classifies tumour type rather than measuring a health parameter, standard "normal levels" do not apply. The following general tips support early detection and timely care:
- Attend regular health check-ups and report any unexplained abdominal masses or hormonal changes to your doctor promptly
- Share complete medical records and imaging reports with your healthcare team for accurate interpretation
- Follow your doctor's guidance on further testing or specialist referral after receiving results
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Inhibin Test Price
The IHC marker - inhibin test cost starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a tissue sample from a biopsy or surgical procedure and must be submitted at a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Home collection is not available for this test. The table below shows indicative prices across major cities:
| 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 IHC marker - inhibin 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 tissue block or slides.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test helps a pathologist determine whether a tumour originated from sex cord-stromal cells (found in the ovaries or testes) or from adrenal cortical cells. It is particularly useful for confirming granulosa cell tumours and distinguishing them from other ovarian tumours that may look similar under routine staining.
The test uses a tissue sample collected during a biopsy or surgery. That tissue is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin to create a block, which is then sent to the laboratory. No blood sample or additional procedure is needed specifically for this test.
No. The IHC marker - inhibin test home collection is not available because the test requires a tissue block or prepared slides from a biopsy, which cannot be collected at home. You will need to visit a Lupin Diagnostics centre to submit your sample.
The report is typically ready within 7 days of the sample reaching the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory. The test results will be delivered directly via email and WhatsApp.
A positive result indicates that inhibin protein is present in the tumour cells. This strongly points to a sex cord-stromal tumour, such as a granulosa cell tumour, or an adrenal cortical tumour. Your treating doctor and pathologist will interpret this result alongside clinical findings, imaging, and any other IHC markers tested.
Inhibin staining identifies the likely origin of a tumour but cannot reliably distinguish between benign and malignant forms on its own. Additional pathological assessment, clinical information, and sometimes further tests are needed to determine malignancy.
IHC Marker - Inhibin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
