IHC Marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) Test
About IHC Marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cytokeratin 8 IHC Test, 35βH11 Immunohistochemistry Test, Keratin 8 Stain Test |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; ordered when cancer diagnosis or tumour origin clarification is needed |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) Test?
The IHC Marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) test is a specialised pathology test that detects low molecular weight cytokeratin 8 (CK8) in tissue samples. Cytokeratin 8 is a structural protein found in epithelial cells, which are the cells that line body surfaces and organs. Doctors order this test to identify the origin of a tumour or to characterise an abnormal tissue finding after a biopsy. This test uses a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC), in which specific antibodies are applied to tissue to reveal the presence or absence of target proteins. This test is also known as the cytokeratin 8 IHC test, the 35βH11 immunohistochemistry test, or the keratin 8 stain test.
What Does an IHC Marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) Test Measure?
The 35BH11 test procedure involves applying a specific antibody to tissue sections to detect cytokeratin 8 (CK8). The key parameter assessed is listed below:
| Marker | What It Detects | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| LMW-CK (35BH11) | Cytokeratin 8 protein in tissue cells | Identifies epithelial cell origin; helps classify tumours |
Why is an IHC Marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) Test Done?
This test is ordered when a biopsy alone cannot fully characterise a tumour. It helps confirm whether a tumour is epithelial in origin and, in some cases, helps pinpoint the primary site of cancer.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test when a patient presents with any of the following:
- An unexplained lump or mass found on imaging or physical examination
- Abnormal biopsy findings that require further classification
- Suspected cancer with an unknown primary site
- Metastatic disease where the origin of the tumour is unclear
- Unusual or inconclusive findings from routine histopathology
- Clinical suspicion of liver, lung, pancreatic, or breast carcinoma
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) test assists in identifying or differentiating several conditions. These include:
- Adenocarcinomas of the breast, ovary, and gastrointestinal tract
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
- Lung adenocarcinoma
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Neuroendocrine tumours
- Stomach and prostate carcinoma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on a tissue sample already obtained through biopsy or surgery, very little preparation is needed for the IHC test itself. The steps below explain what the process typically involves.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The IHC analysis is performed on a tissue block in the laboratory, so dietary restrictions do not apply. However, if a biopsy is still to be performed to collect the tissue sample, follow any fasting or preparation instructions your doctor gives for that procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your tissue sample is submitted for testing:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, allergies, and prior surgeries
- Follow your doctor's specific pre-biopsy instructions if a fresh tissue sample is being collected
- Carry any prior imaging reports, biopsy records, or pathology reports to your appointment
Step-by-Step Procedure
The 35BH11 test procedure involves several steps from tissue collection to report generation:
- A tissue sample is collected by a surgeon or interventional specialist through a biopsy. This may be a needle biopsy or a surgical excision, depending on the location and size of the mass.
- The collected tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to create an FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) block, which preserves the tissue for analysis.
- Laboratory technicians cut very thin slices of the tissue block (approximately 4 to 5 microns thick) and place them on glass slides.
- The slides undergo antigen retrieval, a process using heat or enzymes to expose proteins that may be masked by formalin fixation. The 35BH11 antibody is then applied to bind to cytokeratin 8 if it is present.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, assesses the staining pattern, and prepares a detailed pathology report with findings.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of the test result:
- Duration of tissue fixation in formalin (over-fixation can mask target proteins and affect staining)
- Quality and size of the tissue sample obtained during biopsy
- Adequacy of the antigen retrieval technique used in the laboratory
- Proper storage and transport of the tissue block before processing
Understanding Your IHC Marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) Test Results
Results from the IHC marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) test are qualitative and are reported as positive or negative based on the staining pattern observed by the pathologist. Your treating doctor or oncologist will interpret these findings alongside other investigations. The table below shows the general interpretation of the test results:
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | Presence of cytokeratin 8; suggests epithelial origin, seen in adenocarcinomas, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma, and others |
| Negative | Absence of cytokeratin 8; typically seen in squamous tumours, sarcomas, lymphomas, and tumours of mesenchymal origin |
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 laboratory and tissue-related conditions can affect how results are interpreted:
- Over-fixation of the tissue in formalin can cross-link proteins and prevent the antibody from binding correctly, potentially leading to false-negative results.
- In rare cases, certain non-epithelial tumours such as follicular dendritic cell sarcoma may show focal positive staining, which can resemble a carcinoma pattern and requires careful assessment using a broader panel of IHC markers.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test is a diagnostic tool, not a routine health monitoring marker. General guidance includes:
- Attend regular health check-ups so that any abnormal findings can be detected and evaluated early
- Share complete and accurate medical history with your doctor to support accurate test interpretation
- Follow up with your oncologist or treating specialist for guidance specific to your situation and test findings
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) Test Price
The 35BH11 test cost starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a hospital; home collection is not available for this test as it requires an FFPE tissue block prepared through a clinical biopsy procedure. The table below shows indicative prices:
| 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 35BH11 test online booking 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 for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) test helps pathologists determine whether a tumour originates from epithelial tissue. It is commonly used after a biopsy to classify cancer type, identify the origin of a tumour, and assist in guiding treatment decisions. Results are always interpreted alongside other clinical investigations.
The tissue sample is collected through a biopsy, which may involve a needle inserted into the tumour or a surgical procedure to remove all or part of it. The method used depends on the location and size of the tumour and is decided by your doctor. The collected tissue is then processed into an FFPE block for laboratory analysis.
No, 35BH11 test home collection is not available. It requires a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block, which can only be obtained through a biopsy performed in a clinical setting. The block is then submitted directly to the laboratory for analysis.
A positive result indicates that cytokeratin 8 protein is present in the tissue, which typically suggests a tumour of epithelial origin, such as an adenocarcinoma of the breast, lung, or gastrointestinal tract. Your doctor will review the result with other test findings before making any conclusions.
Lupin Diagnostics delivers results for this test within 3 days. The report is delivered via email or WhatsApp.
No specific preparation is required for the IHC analysis itself. However, you should bring a complete clinical history, including your symptoms, prior test results, and family history, as this is required for accurate result interpretation. Follow your doctor's pre-biopsy instructions if a new tissue sample is being collected.
No. The IHC marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) test helps identify the type and likely origin of a tumour, but it does not provide information about the stage of the disease. Cancer staging requires additional investigations, including imaging studies and other pathology tests, which your doctor will arrange based on your overall clinical picture.
IHC Marker - LMW-CK (35BH11) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
