IHC Marker - INSM-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - INSM-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | INSM-1 IHC, Insulinoma-Associated Protein 1 Immunostain, IA-1 IHC |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages (ordered by pathologists for suspected neuroendocrine tumours) |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - INSM-1 Test?
The IHC Marker - INSM-1 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects whether tumour cells express the INSM-1 protein. INSM-1, also known as Insulinoma-Associated Protein 1, is a protein found in the nuclei of cells with neuroendocrine features (cells that share properties of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells). The test is performed on a tissue sample using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), which applies a specific antibody to stain the tissue. It is also referred to as the INSM-1 IHC or IA-1 IHC test.
What Does an IHC Marker - INSM-1 Test Measure?
The IHC Marker - INSM-1 test procedure examines tissue samples for the presence or absence of INSM-1 protein. The following explains what is assessed:
| Component | What it Means |
|---|---|
| INSM-1 protein expression | Detects whether tumour cells produce the INSM-1 protein, a sign of neuroendocrine differentiation |
| Nuclear staining pattern | INSM-1 appears in cell nuclei; a positive stain in tumour cell nuclei supports a neuroendocrine origin |
| Positive and negative controls | Internal reference samples included in each test run to confirm staining is working correctly |
Why is an IHC Marker - INSM-1 Test Done?
This test is ordered by pathologists when there is a clinical suspicion of a neuroendocrine tumour, either based on symptoms, imaging, or initial tissue examination.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test after a biopsy when a patient presents with any of the following:
- Unexplained pain in the abdomen or chest
- Changes in bowel habits that persist over time
- Unexplained fatigue and unintended weight loss
- Flushing or persistent redness of the skin
- Wheezing that does not respond to standard treatment
- Persistent or recurrent diarrhoea
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The INSM-1 IHC test helps pathologists identify or confirm the following conditions:
- Small cell lung carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
- Typical and atypical carcinoid tumours of the lung
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours and gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours
- Merkel cell carcinoma (a rare type of skin cancer)
- Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid and pituitary adenoma
- Neuroblastoma, adrenal pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland), and paraganglioma (a tumour arising from nerve tissue)
- Middle ear adenoma and olfactory neuroblastoma (a tumour in the nasal cavity)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test is performed on a tissue sample, not a blood sample, so the preparation and collection process is different from routine tests.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The INSM-1 IHC test is carried out on tissue obtained during a biopsy or surgical procedure, so dietary restrictions do not apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your sample is submitted for testing:
- The tissue sample must be collected through a biopsy or surgical procedure ordered by your doctor
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any prior treatments, as this is required for the test
- Inform your pathologist about any treatments you have received, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, before the biopsy
- This test is typically requested by a pathologist as part of a wider diagnostic workup, not booked directly by patients
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps outline how the IHC Marker - INSM-1 test is performed:
- A tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy (removal of a small piece of tissue) or surgical resection ordered by your treating doctor.
- The tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to create an FFPE tissue block, which preserves the sample for analysis.
- The FFPE tissue block is submitted to the laboratory, where thin sections are cut and placed on glass slides.
- An INSM-1-specific antibody is applied to the slides using the immunohistochemistry technique, which stains any INSM-1 protein present in the cells.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, looking for nuclear staining in tumour cells.
- The pathologist records whether the result is positive or negative and correlates the finding with the overall clinical picture.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several technical and clinical factors can influence the quality and reliability of this test:
- Over-fixation of tissue in formalin can damage proteins and affect staining quality
- The age of cut paraffin sections may reduce the strength of the immune reaction over time
- Inadequate tumour representation in the tissue sample can lead to incomplete assessment
- Prior treatments, such as chemotherapy, may alter protein expression in tumour cells
- Technical factors, including the antibody clone used and laboratory processing conditions, can influence results
Understanding Your IHC Marker - INSM-1 Test Results
Results from the INSM-1 IHC test are interpreted by a pathologist alongside your clinical history and other diagnostic findings. The table below outlines what a positive or negative result generally indicates.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive (nuclear staining in tumour cells) | Suggestive of neuroendocrine differentiation in the tumour |
| Negative (no staining in tumour cells) | Does not support neuroendocrine differentiation |
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.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this test is used for cancer diagnosis rather than monitoring a modifiable health parameter, standard lifestyle advice does not apply. The following general guidance is relevant instead:
- Attend all follow-up appointments scheduled by your oncologist or treating specialist
- Share your complete medical history and any previous test reports with your doctor to support accurate interpretation
- Ask your pathologist or doctor to explain your results and what the next steps in your diagnostic workup will be
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - INSM-1 Test Price
The IHC Marker - INSM-1 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a tissue sample collected through a clinical procedure and must be submitted at a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Home collection is not available for this test.
| 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 your IHC Marker - INSM-1 test online with 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 your tissue sample.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The INSM-1 IHC test is used to detect whether tumour cells express INSM-1 protein, which is a marker of neuroendocrine differentiation. Pathologists use it to confirm or rule out neuroendocrine tumours as part of a full tissue-based diagnostic workup.
The sample is a tissue block, not a blood sample. The tissue is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure carried out by your doctor. It is then fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and sent to the laboratory for staining and analysis.
INSM-1 is considered a sensitive and specific marker for neuroendocrine differentiation. Studies suggest its specificity for neuroendocrine lung tumours is similar to chromogranin and higher than synaptophysin and CD56. It is most useful when used alongside other markers as part of a panel.
Yes, in rare cases. A specific molecular subtype known as POU2F3-positive neuroendocrine carcinoma shows low or absent INSM-1 expression. This is why results are always interpreted in the context of the full clinical and pathological picture.
Lupin Diagnostics delivers results within 3 days. This allows time for the staining process and pathologist review. Turnaround times may vary depending on the complexity of the case.
No. This test requires a tissue sample that must be obtained through a clinical biopsy or surgical procedure. Home collection is not possible for tissue-based tests of this kind.
Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body. Neuroendocrine tumours can develop in the lungs, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and skin, among other sites. The INSM-1 marker helps identify neuroendocrine tumours across all these locations.
IHC Marker - INSM-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
