IHC Marker MOC 31 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker MOC 31 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MOC-31, EpCAM IHC, epithelial cell adhesion molecule IHC, CD326, epithelial- specific antigen |
| Sample Type | Tissue (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded block) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 Days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender with suspected carcinoma requiring tissue differentiation |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker MOC 31 Test?
The IHC marker MOC 31 test is a specialised tissue analysis used to identify specific proteins in tumour cells. It helps pathologists determine whether a tumour is of epithelial origin (arising from the lining cells of organs) or from other tissue types. The MOC 31 test uses a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), where antibodies are applied to tissue sections to detect a protein known as EpCAM (Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule). It is also referred to as MOC-31, CD326, or Epithelial Specific Antigen IHC. The test is typically requested by oncologists, pathologists, and other cancer specialists as part of an immunohistochemistry panel to support tumour classification, establish a diagnosis, and guide further investigation and treatment planning.
What Does an IHC Marker MOC 31 Test Measure?
The MOC 31 test procedure analyses tissue samples for the presence of EpCAM, a protein found on the surface of most epithelial cells. The table below summarises what the test detects.
| Component | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) | A transmembrane protein involved in cell adhesion and growth, highly expressed on carcinomas of epithelial origin. |
| MOC-31 antibody reactivity | Detects a glycoprotein (a sugar-coated protein) present on most normal and malignant epithelial cells. |
| Epithelial marker expression | Identifies tumours arising from glandular tissue, including breast, lung, prostate, and bile duct cancers. |
Why is an IHC Marker MOC 31 Test Done?
Doctors order the IHC marker MOC 31 test when a tissue biopsy or fluid sample requires further classification to guide cancer diagnosis. This test is typically part of a panel of IHC markers rather than a standalone investigation.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Unexplained fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion).
- Persistent fluid build-up in the abdomen (ascites).
- Suspected lung mass found on imaging.
- Unexplained lesions in the liver
- Suspected spread of cancer (metastatic disease) from an unknown primary site.
- Tissue masses of unknown origin detected on biopsy.
- Signs of cancer recurrence under investigation.
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The MOC 31 test helps pathologists identify or rule out several conditions:
- Many adenocarcinomas, including those arising in the breast, lung, prostate, and biliary tract.
- Some mesotheliomas may show weak or focal staining, although they are usually negative.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer) versus adenocarcinoma spread to the liver.
- Metastatic carcinoma cells in body fluid samples such as pleural or peritoneal fluid.
- Basal cell carcinoma versus squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
- Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer).
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The MOC 31 test procedure involves tissue samples obtained during a biopsy or surgery rather than a standard blood draw, so preparation is straightforward.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test analyses tissue, not blood or urine, so food intake has no effect on the sample or results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before submitting your sample:
- Provide relevant clinical information, including previous test results, cancer history, and family history, as this may assist with interpretation.
- Attach the original pathology report from the initial tissue examination.
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Provide all relevant radiological reports and clinical notes to the pathologist.
- Inform your doctor about any recent treatments or medications.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The process for the IHC marker MOC 31 test follows these steps:
- A tissue sample is collected by a surgeon or specialist during a biopsy or surgical procedure at a medical facility.
- The collected tissue is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to create an FFPE tissue block, which is then sent to the laboratory.
- The laboratory cuts very thin slices of the paraffin block and mounts them on glass slides for staining.
- The MOC-31 antibody is applied to the tissue sections. It binds to EpCAM protein if present in the tumour cells.
- A coloured dye is added to make the antibody binding visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the staining pattern and interprets the findings in the context of your clinical history and other test results.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the quality of results:
- Poor tissue fixation or insufficient formalin exposure during preservation.
- Age of the cut paraffin section (older sections may show reduced staining).
- Inadequate tissue sampling during the biopsy.
- Incomplete or missing clinical history provided to the pathologist.
- Improper antigen retrieval during the staining process.
Understanding Your IHC Marker MOC 31 Test Results
Results from the IHC marker MOC 31 test are reported as positive or negative based on the staining pattern observed by the pathologist. The table below describes how results are generally interpreted.
| Result | Staining Pattern | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Membranous staining with or without cytoplasmic staining | Suggestive of carcinoma of epithelial origin (e.g., adenocarcinoma). |
| Negative | No membrane staining | May suggest mesothelioma, lymphoma, melanoma, or hepatocellular carcinoma. |
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 is a diagnostic marker for cancer, there are no dietary or lifestyle changes that alter its results. However, the following general practices support your overall health:
- Attend regular health check-ups and act promptly on any suspicious symptoms.
- Follow your doctor's recommendations for cancer screening appropriate to your age and risk profile.
- Share complete and accurate medical history with your healthcare team to ensure the most accurate interpretation of test findings.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker MOC 31 Test Price
The IHC marker MOC 31 test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for tissue-based investigations.
| 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 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 for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker MOC 31 test is used by pathologists to distinguish between adenocarcinoma (cancer arising from epithelial or glandular tissue) and other tumour types such as mesothelioma or lymphoma. It is typically ordered as part of a panel of IHC markers when a tissue biopsy requires further classification. Your doctor will use the findings alongside imaging and other test results to arrive at a diagnosis.
The test requires a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure, carried out by a qualified medical professional at a clinical facility. The tissue is then processed into a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block and submitted to the laboratory for IHC staining.
No, home sample collection is not available for this test. Because the sample is a tissue block from a biopsy or surgery, it must be obtained and submitted through a clinical facility. You will need to visit a Lupin Diagnostics centre or have your FFPE block submitted directly.
The MOC 31 test has been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy. Research indicates sensitivity of approximately 92 to 95% and specificity close to 93 to 100% for distinguishing adenocarcinoma from reactive mesothelial cells. As with all IHC markers, results are interpreted by a qualified pathologist in the context of clinical history and other investigations.
At Lupin Diagnostics, results are generally available according to the laboratory's stated turnaround time and may vary depending on case complexity. The test is scheduled Monday through Saturday. Reports may take longer when detailed pathologist interpretation or a full IHC panel is required.
A positive result means the MOC-31 antibody has detected EpCAM protein on the surface of tumour cells, which is suggestive of a carcinoma of epithelial origin. This supports a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma but does not identify the specific organ where the cancer originated. Your oncologist will review this result alongside other markers and clinical findings.
Mesotheliomas, melanomas, and most lymphomas typically show negative or very limited MOC-31 staining, although exceptions can occur. Hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer) also typically stains negative, which makes the MOC 31 test particularly useful when differentiating primary liver cancer from cancer that has spread to the liver from another organ.
IHC Marker MOC 31 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
