IHC Marker Melan A/MART-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker Melan A/MART-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Melan-A IHC, MART-1 IHC, melanoma antigen recognized by T-cells 1, A103 immunostain |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders, primarily patients with suspicious pigmented lesions or suspected melanoma |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker Melan A/MART-1 Test?
The IHC melan A/MART-1 test is a specialised pathology test that detects the presence of Melan-A protein in biopsy tissue. Melan-A, also called MART-1 (melanoma antigen recognized by T-cells 1), is a protein found in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in skin, hair, and eyes. It is also known as melan-A IHC or MART-1 IHC test. Doctors order this test to investigate suspicious skin lesions or tumours thought to be of melanocytic origin. A small tissue sample from the affected area is collected for the test.
What Does an IHC Melan A/MART-1 Test Measure?
This test uses the immunohistochemistry (IHC) method, where specially prepared tissue sections are treated with antibodies that bind to the melan-A protein. The result shows whether the protein is present or absent in the tissue sample.
The table below summarises what is assessed:
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Melan-A (MART-1) protein expression | Whether melanocytic cells are present in the tissue and whether they appear normal or abnormal. |
Because this is a qualitative test, results are reported as positive or negative, not as numbers. A positive result means the melan-A protein was detected; a negative result means it was not.
Why is a Melan A/MART-1 Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a melanocytic tumour or needs to confirm the origin of a tissue sample. It is used alongside other IHC markers and histological findings to reach a diagnosis.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test when a patient presents with the following:
- A new mole or pigmented skin lesion that was not previously present.
- A mole that has changed in size, shape, or colour.
- A lesion that bleeds, itches, or feels tender.
- A mole with uneven borders or multiple colours.
- A lump or growth in soft tissue with no clear cause.
- Abnormal findings on a prior skin biopsy.
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The melan A/MART-1 test can assist in identifying the following conditions:
- Melanoma (primary skin melanoma and metastatic disease).
- Benign melanocytic lesions such as nevi (moles), including dysplastic, junctional, compound, and spitz types.
- Adrenocortical tumours (tumours of the outer layer of the adrenal gland).
- Sex cord tumours of the gonads, including certain ovarian and testicular tumours.
- PEComas (perivascular epithelioid cell tumours).
- Clear cell sarcoma, also known as malignant melanoma of soft parts.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before this test. The tissue sample is collected during a clinical procedure, not at home. Here is what the process involves.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. There are no dietary restrictions before the biopsy or tissue collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind when preparing for this test:
- 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 medications you are currently taking.
- Share any earlier pathology or biopsy reports related to the lesion in question.
- Only formalin fixation (10% neutral buffered formalin) gives reliable results; inform your treating doctor or surgeon about this requirement before the biopsy is performed.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Your doctor identifies a suspicious lesion or tumour and refers you for a biopsy. A trained clinician collects a small tissue sample from the affected area under local anaesthesia.
- The tissue is immediately placed in formalin solution to preserve it. It is then embedded in paraffin wax to create a firm block, known as an FFPE tissue block.
- The FFPE tissue block is brought to the laboratory, where thin slices are cut and mounted on glass slides.
- The slides are treated with melan-A antibodies. These antibodies attach to the protein if it is present, and a coloured dye makes the binding visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist reviews the stained slides and records whether melan-A expression is present or absent, along with the pattern and extent of staining.
- The final report is prepared and delivered within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of IHC results:
- Delayed or improper fixation of the tissue sample after biopsy.
- Use of fixatives other than standard 10% formalin.
- Small sample size or poor tissue quality.
- Technical issues during the staining process.
- Variability in how different pathologists read and interpret staining patterns.
- The specific subtype of melanoma (for example, desmoplastic melanoma often shows weak or absent melan-A staining).
Understanding Your IHC Marker Melan A/MART-1 Test Results
Results from this test must be reviewed by a qualified pathologist together with clinical and histological findings. No single IHC marker can confirm or rule out a diagnosis on its own.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | Presence of melanocytic cells may suggest melanoma, benign melanocytic nevi, adrenocortical tumour, PEComa, or sex cord tumour. |
| Negative | Absence of melan-A expression; consistent with non-melanocytic tumours, though some melanoma subtypes (such as desmoplastic melanoma) may also test negative. |
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
- Steroid-producing tumours, particularly adrenal and ovarian tumours, may also express melan-A. A positive result in the retroperitoneum or pelvic region should therefore be considered in the context of metastatic melanoma as well as these tumour types.
- In metastatic melanoma, the staining pattern may change over time. Some lesions that were originally melan-A positive may lose this expression as the disease progresses.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is diagnostic rather than for monitoring, general skin health practices are worth following:
- Protect your skin from excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
- Perform regular self-examinations of your skin, noting any new or changing moles.
- Report any change in the size, shape, colour, or texture of a mole or skin lesion to a doctor promptly.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker Melan A/MART-1 Test Price
The melan A/MART-1 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to 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
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test helps doctors determine whether a suspicious skin lesion or tumour contains melanocytic cells expressing melan-A protein. It is primarily used to investigate and diagnose melanoma, and it can also identify other tumour types that express this protein.
No. The IHC marker melan A/MART-1 test is performed on biopsy tissue, not blood. The tissue must be fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin before it is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test identifies the presence of melan-A protein but cannot independently confirm whether a lesion is benign or malignant. The pathologist interprets the staining alongside the tissue architecture and other IHC markers to reach a complete diagnosis.
Yes. Besides melanoma, melan-A may be expressed in adrenocortical tumours, certain sex cord tumours (such as leydig cell, sertoli cell, and granulosa cell tumours), PEComas, and clear cell sarcoma. This is why clinical history and additional markers are always considered.
The biopsy itself may cause some discomfort, but local anaesthesia is typically administered beforehand to minimise pain. The IHC staining process carried out in the laboratory does not involve the patient at all.
A positive result should be discussed with your treating doctor or a specialist. They will review the full pathology report, your clinical history, and any other test findings to advise you on the next steps.
At Lupin Diagnostics, results are typically available within 3 days. Turnaround time may vary slightly depending on the complexity of the case or the need for additional IHC markers.
IHC Marker Melan A/MART-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
