IHC Marker - Ki-67 Test
About IHC Marker - Ki-67 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Ki-67 Antigen, MKI67, Ki-67 Proliferation Index, Ki-67 Labelling Index, MIB-1 |
| Sample Type | Tumour tissue (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded block) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders; adults and children with suspected or confirmed malignancy |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - Ki-67 Test?
The IHC Marker - Ki-67 test is a specialised laboratory test that measures how fast tumour cells are dividing. It uses a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), which applies specific antibodies to tissue samples to detect the Ki-67 protein. Doctors order this test when they need to understand how aggressive a cancer is or how well a treatment is working. It is also known as the Ki-67 Proliferation Index or MIB-1.
What Does an IHC Marker - Ki-67 Test Measure?
This test analyses tumour tissue to determine the proportion of cancer cells that are actively dividing. Here are the key things it measures:
- Ki-67 Proliferation Index: The percentage of tumour cells that carry the Ki-67 protein, indicating active cell division
- Cell Cycle Activity: Ki-67 is present during multiple active phases of the cell cycle, making it a reliable marker of how quickly cells are multiplying
- Labelling Index: The ratio of Ki-67-positive cells to the total cells counted in the sample, which gives a picture of tumour growth dynamics
Why is an IHC Marker - Ki-67 Test Done?
This test is used in oncology settings to assess tumour behaviour and guide treatment planning. It provides information that standard imaging or routine blood tests cannot offer.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test after a tumour has already been identified. The following symptoms often lead to a cancer diagnosis and subsequent testing:
- Unexplained weight loss over a short period
- Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
- An unusual lump or mass felt under the skin
- Abnormal bleeding not related to an obvious cause
- Changes in skin colour, texture, or moles
- Chronic pain with no clear explanation
- Unexplained fever lasting more than a few weeks
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Ki-67 test helps characterise the behaviour of tumours across a wide range of cancers. It is used in:
- Breast cancer, to distinguish between the less aggressive luminal A and the more aggressive luminal B subtypes
- Neuroendocrine tumours, where Ki-67 levels determine tumour grade (G1, G2, or G3)
- Prostate cancer, to assess how fast tumour cells are growing and spreading
- Bladder, kidney, lung, ovarian, and thyroid malignancies
- Cervical cancer, lymphomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumours
IHC Marker - Ki-67 Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The Ki-67 Proliferation Index is widely used in clinical settings to track how well cancer treatment is working. By comparing Ki-67 scores before and after therapy, doctors can tell whether a treatment is slowing tumour growth effectively. The test may be repeated at different stages of treatment, including after chemotherapy or targeted therapy, to guide further decisions.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for this test. However, there are a few practical steps that will help the process go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the IHC Marker - Ki-67 test. The test is performed on tissue, not a blood or urine sample, so dietary preparation is not necessary.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure a smooth experience and accurate results:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry the original histopathology report and any relevant radiological records to the laboratory
- Inform your doctor about any medications, allergies, or underlying medical conditions before the test
- Follow any additional instructions given by your treating doctor or the laboratory team
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC Marker - Ki-67 test procedure involves several laboratory steps performed on a tissue sample. Here is what happens:
- A tissue sample is collected by a doctor through a core needle biopsy, vacuum-assisted biopsy, or surgical removal. This step is done before the sample reaches the laboratory.
- The tissue is placed in formalin (a preservative liquid) and embedded in paraffin wax to create a stable tissue block for analysis.
- In the laboratory, the wax is removed from the tissue sections, and the target proteins are exposed through a process called antigen unmasking.
- The tissue is then stained using special colour-producing chemicals to identify cells that carry the Ki-67 protein.
- A pathologist counts 500 to 1,000 cells in the sample and calculates the percentage of Ki-67-positive cells.
- The result is reported as a Ki-67 index (a percentage) and reviewed alongside your clinical history to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several technical and clinical factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Use of fixatives other than standard 10% formalin may affect staining quality
- Variations in antibody types, staining methods, and testing platforms across laboratories
- Whether the tissue block adequately represents the tumour
- The time between tissue collection and fixation
- The overall quality and size of the biopsy sample
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Ki-67 Test Results
Results from this test are always reviewed by a pathologist and your treating doctor together. The Ki-67 index is reported as a percentage of tumour cells staining positive for the protein.
Reference Ranges
| Parameter | Range / Value | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ki-67 Index (General) | 0% to 100% | Reported as a percentage of positive tumour cells |
| Low Ki-67 (Breast Cancer) | Less than 10% to 14% | Favourable prognosis; less aggressive tumour |
| Intermediate Ki-67 | 14% to 20% | Borderline or intermediate risk |
| High Ki-67 (Breast Cancer) | 20% or above | More aggressive; higher recurrence risk |
| G1 (Neuroendocrine, Low Grade) | Less than 3% | Slow-growing tumour |
| G2 (Neuroendocrine, Intermediate) | 3% to 20% | Moderate growth rate |
| G3 (Neuroendocrine, High Grade) | Greater than 20% | Rapidly growing tumour |
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
The Ki-67 index reflects tumour biology and cannot be altered through lifestyle alone. However, the following steps support overall health during cancer care:
- Attend all recommended follow-up appointments and cancer screenings as advised by your oncologist
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay physically active to support general well-being during treatment
- Follow your oncologist's treatment plan closely to give therapies the best chance of working effectively
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Ki-67 Test Price
The IHC Marker - Ki-67 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or collection point, as home collection is not available for tissue-based tests. The tissue block must be submitted directly to the laboratory.
| 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
Booking the IHC Marker - Ki-67 test online at Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- 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 biopsy specimen.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Marker - Ki-67 test measures how actively cancer cells are dividing within a tumour. It helps doctors assess how aggressive a tumour is and supports decisions about the most appropriate treatment approach. It is used across several cancer types, including breast, prostate, and neuroendocrine cancers.
The sample is a piece of tumour tissue, not a blood or urine sample. Tissue is collected by a doctor through a biopsy procedure, which may involve a needle or a small surgical incision. The sample is then processed and embedded in paraffin wax before being sent to the laboratory.
A high Ki-67 Proliferation Index indicates that a large proportion of cancer cells are actively dividing. This is typically associated with a more aggressive tumour. Your doctor will consider this result alongside other findings to determine the most suitable course of treatment.
A low Ki-67 index suggests that fewer cells are dividing at any given time, which often points to a slower-growing tumour. This is generally associated with a more favourable prognosis. In hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, a low index may support the use of hormone therapy alone.
No special preparation is required. However, you must bring a complete clinical history, your original histopathology report, and any relevant imaging or pathology records. These are required for the accurate interpretation of your results.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 7 days of sample receipt. The time taken reflects the detailed laboratory processing involved in immunohistochemistry testing.
The Ki-67 test can be applied to tumour tissue from many types of cancer. It is particularly well-established in breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumours, lymphomas, and prostate cancer. Your doctor will advise whether this test is appropriate for your specific diagnosis.
IHC Marker - Ki-67 Test
